UK Launches Its First AI Police Assistant ‘Bobbi’

British police have become the latest public body to employ the use of AI (artificial intelligence).

Two forces have just become the first in the country to introduce an AI police officer / virtual assistant called ‘Bobbi’.

The virtual assistant has been launched as part of a trial by both Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary and Thames Valley Police who will train it to answer frequently asked, non-emergency questions and help ease pressure on call handlers.

But there are fears over its effectiveness as well as its impact on the jobs market.

The Mail Online reports: “This is the first time this technology has been used in policing in the UK and offers an additional service, alongside our online forms, telephone lines and front counters, for those who prefer to use a virtual assistant to ask questions and seek help or advice.”

Bobbi has been tested by more 200 people during its development, including by representatives from victim care groups and independent scrutiny panel members, the forces said in a statement.

Bobbi will make suggestions and recommendations using the same guidelines and information available to the human call handlers at the forces.

If the virtual assistant is unable to answer a question or if a user states they want to speak to a person, the chat will be directed to one of their “digital desk operators – who are all real people”, a spokesman said.

Chief Superintendent Simon Dodds, head of contact management for both forces, said: “This is a really exciting time for us as we trial this technology in policing.”

yogaesoteric
December 4, 2025