A trial of a new AI tool used in a police force in Yorkshire has been described as a success, with potential officer time savings to be over 23,000 hours a year.
Humberside Police conducted the trial, called Project Moriarty, in partnership with Coeus Software the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) and the National Science and Innovation Board (NSIB).
The AI tool, called Cecil, was built using the curated knowledge base of official police policy, guidance and legislation, with no external or public data used.
The chatbot was then deployed amongst the officers of Humberside Police, who could ask it questions about various situations and receive responses based on an analysis of official procedure.
“I think this would be very useful from an investigation view as it has all the data readily accessible for officers. This would improve investigation standards if they had the information on their devices,” said a trial participant and detective constable at Humberside Police.
The tool was particular useful due to the increasing lack of police experience among officers in England and Wales.
Recent data found that 35% of officers have fewer than five years’ service, compared with just 14% in 2016, while voluntary leaver rates among those with less than five years’ experience are at an all time high.
Software developer Coeus said this inspired the creation of the digital police mentor.
“The Project Moriarty trial with Humberside Police showed how the Cecil AI assistant can deliver real-time guidance to officers in the field,” said Simon Hall, chief executive of Coeus Software.
“When combined with the power of PoliceBox to digitise frontline policing, it has the potential to transform efficiency and enhance community engagement, exactly in line with the Home Office mission to keep officers in communities, equipped with the right tools and information.”
According to the trial results, it has been estimated that if used to answer 100% of procedural queries, Cecil could save officers at Humberside Police over 23,000 hours per year.
“Project Moriarty has shown how AI can enhance officer confidence and consistency in real time,” said Colin Dring, innovation manager at Humberside Police.
“By placing guidance directly in officers’ hands, we’re helping them make better decisions for the communities they serve.”
