Officers risk accidental misconduct through AI use, IOPC warns

The IOPC has written to the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) urging forces to ensure their AI policies are fit for purpose, effectively communicated and supported by practical training.

The warning follows referrals from police forces concerning allegations that officers and staff have used AI inappropriately or outside the limits of force policies and guidance.

The IOPC is currently conducting two independent investigations into allegations of gross misconduct involving AI use. Other related cases have been investigated or concluded locally by police forces.

IOPC director general Rachel Watson said officers could inadvertently breach professional standards while attempting to use AI to speed up processes, particularly if they did not understand what was permitted.

She said policies needed to reflect operational realities, with clear day-to-day procedures rather than simply setting out general principles.

Forces should also ensure staff receive training on how to apply AI in practice, alongside visible leadership commitment and regular reviews of policies as the technology develops.

Watson said AI could bring significant benefits to policing but stressed that appropriate safeguards were needed to support safe and effective adoption.

The watchdog also highlighted uncertainty among some professional standards departments over whether AI-related allegations should be referred to the IOPC.

Watson said forces should refer cases where there was doubt, allowing the watchdog’s specialist assessment team to review the circumstances and offer advice.

The IOPC said the aim was not to discourage innovation but to reduce avoidable mistakes that could lead to misconduct proceedings, while ensuring the public could have confidence that AI was being used fairly and transparently.