British Police: AI Crime Reporting Program Saves $11.5 Million Annually - Sarmad

(KUNA) – British police announced on Tuesday that they intend to deploy a new artificial intelligence program to reduce wait times when reporting crimes on the national non-emergency number, curb false reports, and direct callers who need other services to the appropriate numbers, thereby saving approximately £8.5 million ($11.5 million) annually.

State Minister for Crime and Policing Sarah Jones said in a statement: “Police call center staff waste hours responding to calls intended for other agencies. Every minute spent on these calls is time taken away from helping people who truly need support.”

Jones added: “AI programs are already helping the police apprehend dangerous criminals and accelerate investigations. Now, they will help modernize control rooms to keep pace with the 21st century, saving time and money and enabling police forces to reinvest these savings in crime fighting.”

The statement noted that the new system is backed by a government investment of £1.4 million ($1.895 million).

The national non-emergency number receives around 20 million calls annually, including four million calls intended for non-police entities such as local councils, the National Health Service, and others.