Senior Derbyshire detective investigated for alleged AI misuse

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 13:32 · Archive

A senior Derbyshire Police detective is being investigated for gross misconduct over alleged inappropriate use of artificial intelligence.

A senior detective at Derbyshire Police is under investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for alleged gross misconduct relating to their use of artificial intelligence. Derbyshire Police made a voluntary referral to the watchdog on 23 June following an internal review of the officer's AI usage. The force then formally launched an independent investigation in August.

It is alleged the officer used AI to create policy decisions, assess and manage risk, justify decision-making and input sensitive operational and personal case data. The IOPC said Derbyshire Police was concerned the senior detective's use of AI may not have been in line with force guidance and conditions.

Derbyshire Police authorised officers to use Microsoft Copilot from May 2025, with guidance restricting its use to aiding productivity in drafting reports and summarising information. Conditions included that no operational, sensitive or personal data should be inputted to the system. Emily Barry, IOPC director of engagement, described the allegations as serious and said the investigation would analyse the officer's Copilot use between May 2025 and June 2026 to assess any potential breaches of police professional standards.

How it is being reported

• Second Derbyshire police officer investigated over alleged inappropriate use of AIThe Derbyshire force referred the matter involving a detective to the police watchdogDerbyshire Live · 22 Oct, 13:25
• Derbyshire Police officer under investigation for alleged gross misconduct over use of AI during criminal investigationsA Derbyshire Police officer is under investigation by the IOPC for alleged gross misconduct - concerning their use of AI during criminal investigations.Derbyshire Times · 22 Oct, 13:05
• Senior detective accused of using AI for decisionsIt is alleged the officer used the technology "inappropriately during criminal investigations".BBC Derbyshire · 22 Oct, 12:47

In this story: Derbyshire Police · Independent Office for Police Conduct · Microsoft · Derbyshire

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