Thames Valley Police AI chatbot shortlisted for national award
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 06:08 · Archive
Bobbi, the first public-facing autonomous AI deployed within UK policing, has been shortlisted for a national award.
Thames Valley Police and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary have shortlisted their AI chatbot Bobbi for the NPCC Innovation and Digital Awards 2026. The technology represents the first public-facing autonomous AI deployed within UK policing.
Bobbi allows members of the public to access police services, ask questions and receive support through natural, conversational interactions online. The system can escalate enquiries to trained contact handlers when necessary. It was developed with Salesforce and Humberside Police, and introduced to meet rising demand for digital-first services and reduce pressure on traditional 101 contact channels.
Since its launch, Bobbi has handled more than 10,000 public interactions, independently resolving more than 75 per cent without human intervention. This has helped reduce demand on contact management teams and enabled contact handlers to focus on higher-risk and more complex incidents. Chief Superintendent Clare Knibbs said the shortlisting was 'a fantastic achievement and a reflection of the hard work, collaboration and innovation shown by everyone involved'.
How it is being reported
- Thames Valley Police AI chatbot shortlisted for national awardNamed Bobbi, the first public-facing autonomous AI solution deployed within UK policing, was introduced by Thames Valley PoliceOxford Mail · 22 Oct, 05:00
- Thames Valley Police AI chatbot shortlisted for national awardNamed Bobbi, the first public-facing autonomous AI solution deployed within UK policing, was introduced by Thames Valley PoliceOxfordshire Guardian · 22 Oct, 05:00
In this story: Thames Valley Police · Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary · Salesforce · Humberside Police · Clare Knibbs
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