AI in policing: giving officers more time where it counts

by Andy Day - Business Development Director
by Neil Gladstone - Data & AI Practice Director
| minute read

In summary:

  • AI can reduce administrative burdens for officers by automating tasks like paperwork and dispatch to help police officers spend less time on admin and more time on frontline duties.
  • Ethical use of AI builds public trust through transparency and human oversight.
  • Successful adoption needs digital skills, teamwork and expert partnerships.

In part one of our AI in policing mini-series, we looked at how artificial intelligence (AI) is already present in policing, and why it must be harnessed responsibly to create impact. In this second part, we focus on a pressing question: how can AI help officers spend less time on admin and more time where communities need them most? 

Freeing up time for what matters 

Police officers regularly face a frustrating reality: time that should be spent serving communities is instead consumed by repetitive tasks. The Power of Information report highlights how officers often have to re-enter the same data across multiple systems, draining both time and energy. 

AI has the potential to change that. From automating routine paperwork to optimising dispatch – matching officers’ skills to the right incidents – AI can make policing more responsive, reduce duplication, and free up capacity for frontline work. The result is not just efficiency, but more opportunities to detect crime, secure convictions, and keep people safe. 

But efficiency alone isn’t enough. For AI to truly help policing, it must be built – and seen – as trustworthy. 

Building public confidence in AI 

The public has reason to be cautious. Tools such as predictive policing and facial recognition have previously raised concerns around bias and lack of transparency. Without strong ethical foundations, AI risks eroding confidence rather than strengthening it. 

That’s why governance, transparency, and accountability must be non-negotiable. The Digital Ethics in Policing report emphasises the importance of independent audits, community engagement, and ensuring that AI supports decision-making, not replaces it. Similarly, standards like the UK Government’s Algorithmic Transparency Record offer a clear way for forces to show how AI works and why it’s being used. 

AI should never be a “black box.” If forces can explain how decisions are made, demonstrate fairness, and keep human judgement at the centre, they will not only avoid reinforcing systemic biases but also build the trust needed for AI to thrive. 

Getting the basics right: data and skills 

Trust in AI also depends on the quality of the data it learns from. Poor data leads to poor results – and poor results damage public confidence. For forces, investing in accurate, complete, and well-governed data is the starting point for any successful AI deployment. 

Just as important is investing in people. Officers and staff need confidence to use AI as a tool, not a crutch. That requires digital skills, training, and leadership that encourages collaboration across different types of experience. Those with deep operational expertise bring invaluable frontline judgement, while colleagues with more recent digital experience bring fresh perspectives on applying new tools. Together, they ensure AI outputs are understood, challenged, and applied thoughtfully – never blindly. 

The Policing Productivity Review highlights how AI-powered control rooms can reduce administrative burdens and improve efficiency. But without the right knowledge and culture, there is a risk of staff either rejecting AI outright or placing blind faith in its outputs. Striking the right balance requires investment in upskilling and change management. 

According to McKinsey, organisations that foster collaboration across different types of professional experience achieve greater agility, inclusivity, and innovation. For policing, this means blending operational expertise with digital know-how to get the best of both worlds. 

Real-world impact: smarter policing in action 

AI isn’t just theory – it’s already making a difference. West Midlands Police, for example, introduced Andi-Esra, an AI-driven call-handling solution. The system reduced wait times, automated routine queries, prioritised vulnerable callers, and freed up call handlers to focus on complex cases. The result: improved response times and better use of resources. 

This is a clear demonstration of AI with purpose: not replacing human judgement, but enhancing it. 

Partnership, not just technology 

Forces cannot achieve this alone. Success requires the right infrastructure, careful integration, and trusted partners who understand policing’s unique challenges. It’s not about buying the latest tool – it’s about creating solutions that fit into existing systems, scale effectively, and deliver lasting value. 

That’s why Sopra Steria has committed to an AI charter that sets clear principles for responsible adoption. We’ve embedded AI in our own operations, from optimising STORM to enhancing internal collaboration, proving that AI isn’t just a cost-saving exercise – it’s a catalyst for transformation. And because we partner with leading technology providers, we can advise forces on what works best for their context, not just push a single platform. 

Acting now to shape the future 

AI is here to stay, but its future in policing is still being written. Forces have a rare opportunity to shape both the technology and public perception – ensuring AI supports officers, strengthens trust, and delivers tangible benefits for communities. 

That means: 

  • Building strong ethical and governance frameworks. 

  • Investing in better data and digital skills. 

  • Partnering with experts who understand policing’s realities. 

  • Keeping human decision-making at the heart of every solution. 

AI in policing isn’t about technology for technology’s sake. It’s about making sure officers have the time, tools, and confidence to focus on what matters most: protecting and supporting communities. 

Take the first step 

Our AI maturity lite self-assessment helps organisations evaluate readiness across six key pillars of adoption. It provides a personalised report highlighting strengths, priority areas, and practical next steps. 

AI maturity isn’t just a technology issue – it’s a strategic one. The forces that act now will be the ones leading smarter, more trusted policing tomorrow. 

Start your free AI maturity lite self-assessment today and take the first step toward a future of smarter, more connected policing. 

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