Met Police Use Palantir AI to Investigate Hundreds of Officers

The Metropolitan Police have launched investigations into hundreds of officers following the deployment of an artificial intelligence tool developed by the tech firm Palantir. The software, which analyzed data already held by the force, was used to identify internal rule-breaking, ranging from work-from-home policy violations to allegations of serious criminal misconduct.

Corruption and Criminal Allegations

The AI software identified evidence linking a small number of officers to severe criminal activity. As a result, three officers have been arrested on charges including sexual assault, fraud, misconduct in public office, abuse of authority for sexual purposes, and the misuse of police systems.
Corruption emerged as the most consistent issue detected by the tool. According to the Met, 98 officers are currently being assessed for misconduct related to the abuse of IT systems used for rostering shifts, specifically for personal or financial gain. An additional 500 officers have received prevention notices regarding the same issue.

Leadership and Conduct Violations

The investigation has also scrutinized senior leadership, with 42 officers ranging from the rank of chief inspector to chief superintendent under assessment for serious noncompliance. These officers are accused of falsely claiming to be in the office while working from home or remaining away from their posts for excessive periods. These actions violate Met guidelines, which mandate that in-office attendance must not fall below 80%.
Furthermore, the software identified officers who failed to disclose their membership in the Freemasons, which is now a required declaration within the force. Twelve officers are under investigation for gross misconduct for keeping their membership private, while another 30 have received prevention notices for suspected, though uncorroborated, undeclared membership.

The Role of AI in Policing

The use of Palantir’s software is part of a broader effort by the Metropolitan Police to integrate AI into its operations. The force is currently in negotiations to acquire additional technology from the company to assist in criminal investigations. While Palantir has faced public scrutiny due to its connections to the Israeli military and US immigration enforcement, the Met maintains that such technology is essential for modern policing.
Met Commissioner Mark Rowley stated that the force must keep pace with the ways criminals use technology, both on the streets and within the organization. He noted that by aggregating information the force already holds, the Met can identify risks earlier and act more consistently. Rowley emphasized that the vast majority of staff serve with integrity, and these measures are intended to remove those who undermine public trust and strengthen the force's culture for the future.