Application of Responsible AI: opportunities for policing

Reform was delighted to welcome Stephen Kavanagh, Chief Constable, Essex Police and NPCC Chair, Digital Policing Board who was leading a roundtable event exploring ‘Application of Responsible AI: opportunities for policing’.

Now is the time for the UK to capitalise on the opportunity that Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents for the growth of both the economy and our society. Nevertheless, public perception often associates artificial intelligence (AI) with automation, cost cutting and job loss, which overlooks AI’s potential. Nowhere is this more important than in the frontline of crucial public services.

AI-enabled policing has a great capacity to reduce crime, protect staff increase the capacity of forces and improve value for money. Police forces nationally have already taken steps to digitise their day-to-day work. In-field technology has made policing increasingly safe and efficient. Data analytics, facial recognition and predictive policing have significant improved the ability to prevent crime, despite being in their very early days. This discussion was focused on the technical and societal factors that will accelerate or hinder the development and use of AI; and how best to harness the use of AI in a sustainable and responsible way, looking in particular at the case study of responsible AI in policing.

This event was the first of a series of Reform events supported by Accenture as part of the company’s digital initiative, identifying the key areas in which businesses, policy makers and public-sector organisations can drive changes that will allow the UK to continue to lead in the digital economy whilst ensuring an inclusive and responsible digital revolution. More information on the initiative can be found here.

This roundtable was held under the Chatham House Rule and was held in partnership with Accenture: