The UK’s first police virtual assistant, powered by artificial intelligence (AI), has been launched by two police forces as part of a new trial. The virtual assistant, named Bobbi, interacts like a human and helps answer frequently asked questions but it is not designed to be used in emergencies.

Thames Valley Police and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary say the tool aims to complement online forms, phone lines and front counters, not replace them.

A spokesman for the forces said: “You cannot use the technology to report a crime or as an alternative to the emergency 999 line.” “Bobbi has been tested by over 200 people during its development, including by representatives from victim care groups and independent scrutiny panel members.”

The AI tool uses the same guidelines and information available to human call handlers to make suggestions and recommendations. If Bobbi is unable to answer a question, or if a user wants to speak to a person instead, they can be automatically redirected to a real-life operator.

Chief Superintendent Simon Dodds described it as a “really exciting time” and hopes this will allow staff to focus on “emergencies and complex, sensitive issues”.

He added: “Empathy, common sense and that intangible gut instinct are some of the many human skills that need to guide our interactions with the public, particularly in their time of need.” “By providing quick responses to commonly asked, non-emergency questions, Bobbi will enhance our service to our communities, ensuring that every member of the public can get the help they need, whenever they need it.”

Mr Dodds went on to stress that Bobbi will remain a work in progress, with a team of experienced staff working to fix bugs and comply with regulations.

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