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Artificial intelligence (AI) is now embedded across policing in England and Wales — but fragmented adoption, despite strong governance and growing operational benefits, risks slowing national progress, according to a major new report from techUK.
The study, Demystifying the Adoption of AI in Police Forces Across England and Wales, finds that every force now uses AI in some form, from data analytics to ANPR and the Police National Database. But more advanced tools — such as machine learning-driven decision support — remain concentrated in only a handful of regions. This uneven rollout, described in the report as a “patchwork quilt” of capability, is limiting interoperability, knowledge sharing and equal access to innovation.
Despite this disparity, the report highlights a clear shift in how AI is shaping day-to-day policing. From automated document redaction to real-time domestic abuse call analysis and live facial recognition, forces are already seeing measurable operational benefits. These systems are speeding investigations, reducing administrative burden and enhancing public safety.
As the report notes, AI is already ‘improving efficiency, speeding investigations, enabling real-time decision support, and enhancing public safety.’
At the same time, policing in England and Wales has developed one of the UK’s most comprehensive AI governance ecosystems. The NPCC Covenant, Responsible AI Checklist, Authorised Professional Practice and force-level ethics committees together form a robust framework for safe and lawful deployment. Yet the report warns that governance alone is not enough to overcome persistent barriers.
According to the report, ‘data quality, interoperability, bias, explainability, transparency, and sustainability issues need to be resolved to enable the Police to maximise the benefits they get from AI.’
The authors argue that unlocking AI’s full potential will require greater national coordination, including shared platforms, consistent metrics and centrally funded tools that all forces can access. Without this, they warn, the UK risks a future where only the best-resourced forces benefit from emerging technologies.
For full case studies, detailed analysis and recommendations, download the complete Demystifying the Adoption of AI in Police Forces Across England and Wales report.
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