The Metropolitan Police have launched investigations into hundreds of officers after using an artificial intelligence tool developed by Palantir to uncover misconduct. The software, deployed over a week, analysed data the force already holds, revealing rule-breaking from working-from-home violations to suspected corruption and criminal allegations including rape.
As a result, three officers have been arrested for offences including abuse of authority for sexual purposes, fraud, sexual assault, misconduct in public office, and misuse of police systems. The Met stated that corruption was the most common offence detected, with 98 officers assessed for misconduct related to abuse of the IT system for rostering shifts for personal or financial gain. A further 500 officers received prevention notices for the same offence.
The AI also identified 42 senior officers, from chief inspector to chief superintendent, being assessed for misconduct for falsely claiming to be in the office when working from home or away for excessive periods. Met guidelines require in-office attendance to be at least 80%. Additionally, 12 officers are under investigation for gross misconduct for failing to declare membership of the Freemasons, a now-declarable interest, with 30 more receiving prevention notices for suspected undeclared membership.
The Met commissioner, Mark Rowley, said: “Criminals are constantly adapting how they use technology and policing has to keep pace, not just on the streets but within our own organisation. This is the Met using technology, data and stronger legal powers to confront poor behaviour, raise standards and fix our foundations as our communities would expect.” He added that the vast majority of officers serve with integrity and expect firm action against those who abuse their position.
