Pioneering AI Ethics Panel held to ensure responsible use of technology in policing in Cambridgeshire

^{A panel of expert volunteers has met for the first time to advise Cambridgeshire Constabulary on the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) in policing.}

^{Set up and facilitated through Police and Crime Commissioner, Darryl Preston's office, the Panel provides independent and multidisciplinary scrutiny on the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) within policing in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.}

^{The experts come from a variety of backgrounds including from AI and data science, law and ethics, information security, safeguarding and public protection, and policing and criminal justice.}

^{The Panel operates in an advisory capacity, providing independent insight and recommendations with feedback recorded and any actions monitored by the Commissioner’s office.}

^{At the first meeting, members were given a presentation about a new AI programme currently being piloted in the county.}

^{Citizen Assist was introduced in September to improve public access to policing services through an additional reporting channel. It works by guiding members of the public looking to report a crime through pre-determined prompts which help capture information. The reports are then triaged and processed by staff in the force control room.}

^{The system does not replace existing methods of contact such as 999, 101 or existing online reporting forms.​}

^{Chief Superintendent Sherrie Nash, who attended the first meeting said: “I’d like to personally thank all the Panel members for giving their time and expertise to support us. Independent challenge of this kind is really important, particularly as we introduce new technology into policing. The discussion was thoughtful, constructive and appropriately challenging, and will help us make sure that we innovate responsibly while maintaining public confidence”.}

^{Panel members were reassured by the controls and governance in place and welcomed the openness shown by the Constabulary in presenting the live AI scheme for external scrutiny.}

^{Members were able to see the new programme in action and discuss issues such as transparency, safeguarding, public confidence and evidential integrity.}

^{The Commissioner said: “The way people want to contact the police is changing. Many people now expect to be able to report incidents online in a simple and straightforward way, rather than waiting on the phone or navigating complex forms.}

^{“It is vital that we provide transparent and accountable scrutiny of emerging technologies such as AI, while maintaining public trust and confidence.}

^{“We are grateful for those who have agreed to give up their valuable time to provide this important service.”}

^{Panel members themselves commented on the first session:}

^{“For me, today was a really positive first session and a useful starting point for understanding the work that's already been done.”}

^{“I felt there was a good balance of perspectives and some thoughtful and constructive scrutiny of Citizen Assist.”}

^{For more information about the Panel, visit the AI Scrutiny section on our website.}