The Metropolitan Police have launched investigations into hundreds of officers after using an AI tool built by the controversial tech company Palantir to root out rogue cops. The software was deployed over a week, surveilling staff using data the force already holds, uncovering rule-breaking from work-from-home violations to suspected corruption and criminal allegations such as rape.
As a result, evidence tied a small number of officers to serious misconduct and criminality, leading 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 consistent offence detected, with 98 officers assessed for misconduct related to abuse of the IT system that rosters shifts for personal or financial gain, while another 500 received prevention notices for the same offence.
The Met said 42 senior officers, from chief inspector to chief superintendent, were being assessed for misconduct for serious noncompliance, including falsely claiming to have been in the office when working from home or away for excessive periods, against guidelines requiring 80% in-office attendance. Additionally, 12 officers are under investigation for gross misconduct for failing to declare Freemason membership, a now-declarable interest, with 30 more receiving prevention notices for suspected undeclared membership.
The implementation is the latest case of the Met embracing AI, having recently entered negotiations to buy Palantir tech for criminal investigations. Palantir has connections to ICE, Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement, and the Israeli military; earlier this month, MPs demanded a £330m contract between Palantir and the NHS be scrapped. The Met said the software would help “build trust, reduce crime and raise standards,” citing other technologies like drones and live facial recognition as helping to keep people safe.
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 by bringing together lawfully held information, the force can identify risk earlier, act faster and be fairer, alongside new vetting powers to remove those who should not be in policing.
