Police officer under investigation after 'using AI to fabricate evidence'

A criminal investigation has been launched into a Derbyshire Constabulary police officer over allegations they used artificial intelligence to fabricate "evidential material" in several different cases.

Pending the results of the investigation, believed to be the first of its kind in the UK, the officer has been removed from frontline duties.

The officer faces charges of perverting the course of justice but the specific details regarding the nature of the alleged misconduct remain undisclosed at this stage.

Derbyshire Police emphasised the inquiry remains in an early phase, with no individuals taken into custody thus far in connection with the allegations.

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The constabulary has established close working arrangements with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to determine which criminal proceedings may have been compromised by the alleged actions.

Authorities are examining whether any active court cases require review as a consequence of the officer's suspected conduct.

The CPS confirmed its involvement in the matter and said it has begun contacting legal representatives for defendants alongside relevant courts in circumstances where cases might have been affected.

Prosecutors acknowledged their ongoing cooperation with Derbyshire Police throughout the inquiry.

A spokesman for Derbyshire Constabulary said: "A criminal investigation has been launched into an allegation of perverting the course of justice after the alleged use of AI systems by an officer to create evidential material in a number of cases.

"The force is working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service in relation to any potentially impacted cases, however the investigation is in its early stages, so no further details are available.

"The officer involved has been removed from frontline duties, pending the outcome of the investigation. No arrests have been made."

A representative for the CPS said: "We are working with Derbyshire Police as it conducts enquiries into the alleged use of Artificial Intelligence by an officer.

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"We are engaging with defence teams and the courts in appropriate cases."

The CPS added that providing additional commentary would be inappropriate whilst police enquiries remain ongoing.

The allegations surfaced during the same week that PoliceAI, a new national centre dedicated to artificial intelligence in law enforcement, was officially established by policing minister Sarah Jones.

Alex Murray, who serves as interim director of the PoliceAI centre and heads the National Police Chiefs' Council's AI division, said at Wednesday's launch: "Crime and technology are evolving rapidly.

"Policing must keep pace by adopting AI responsibly to catch criminals and keep people safe."

Forces nationwide have been pursuing expanded deployment of AI technologies to lighten administrative burdens and enhance operational efficiency.

Mr Murray previously indicated AI could assist with disclosure processes, potentially reducing the hours officers currently spend manually redacting case documentation prior to trials.

The technology's integration into policing has encountered difficulties previously.

Earlier this year, West Midlands Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford departed his position amidst controversy surrounding the force's involvement in prohibiting Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from attending an Aston Villa fixture.

It subsequently emerged that officers had incorrectly generated portions of evidence supporting the ban using AI tools.

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