Met Police Extends AI Pilot with Palantir Amid Procurement Review

The Metropolitan Police has secured a 12-month extension to its pilot project with Palantir, a US-based spy tech firm, to continue using its AI system to identify potential misconduct and standards issues within the force. This development comes after London Mayor Sadiq Khan blocked a proposed £50m deal between the Met and Palantir, citing a 'clear and serious breach' of procurement rules. The Met will now undergo a procurement process to select a long-term supplier, with the mayor's office requiring the force to consider a range of potential suppliers. The extension allows the Met to retain its existing capability while the procurement process takes place.

According to Assistant Commissioner Rachel Williams, the AI system has enabled the Met to bring together data from various sources to identify potential standards, welfare, or cultural concerns, and has already led to a significant number of matters being progressed by the professional standards team. Commissioner Mark Rowley highlighted the success of the pilot project in a recent speech, noting that it has enabled the Met to proactively identify problem individuals or patterns and intervene before harm occurs. Palantir has expressed its commitment to helping the Met deliver high standards, and the company's software will continue to be used by the force during the extension period. The Met aims to use the technology to streamline administrative processes, close budget gaps, and free up officers to focus on policing the streets of London.

Source: The Guardian