The Metropolitan Police have launched investigations into hundreds of officers after deploying an artificial intelligence tool built by the controversial technology company Palantir to identify misconduct. The software was used over the course of a week, analysing data the force already holds, and uncovered rule-breaking ranging from working-from-home violations to suspected corruption and criminal allegations including rape.
According to the Met, the AI tool led to the arrest of three officers for offences including abuse of authority for sexual purposes, fraud, sexual assault, misconduct in public office and misuse of police systems. Corruption was the most common offence detected, with 98 officers being assessed for misconduct related to abuse of the IT system that rosters shifts for personal or financial gain. A further 500 officers received prevention notices for the same offence.
The software also identified 42 senior officers, from chief inspector to chief superintendent, who were being assessed for serious noncompliance after falsely claiming to have been in the office when they were working from home or away for excessive periods. Met guidelines require in-office attendance to be at least 80 per cent. Additionally, 12 officers are under investigation for gross misconduct for failing to declare membership of the Freemasons, a now-declarable interest within the force, while 30 others received prevention notices for suspected undeclared membership.
The Met said the AI tool would help 'build trust, reduce crime and raise standards'. Commissioner Mark Rowley stated: '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.'
Palantir has faced criticism for its connections to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Donald Trump's immigration enforcement programme, and the Israeli military. Earlier this month, MPs demanded a £330 million contract between Palantir and the NHS be scrapped. The Met has entered negotiations to buy further technology from the company for criminal investigations.
