New guidance on data ethics, data-driven technologies and artificial intelligence
New technology guidance and APPs published
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In an era where technology is rapidly transforming how we live and work, policing is embracing new data-driven capabilities like artificial intelligence (AI), automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), and live facial recognition (LFR). These technologies don't replace good police work – they enhance it.
With proper ethical safeguards in place, they enable officers to spend more time in communities, solving crimes, and keeping the public safe.
Guidance and APPs
The public must feel confident that these tools are being used appropriately. We are introducing comprehensive national guidance to ensure all forces can embrace powerful new technologies while maintaining public trust.
These include:
- Building AI-enabled tools and systems guidance – practical support for implementing AI tools that enhance police performance and productivity
- Data-driven technologies authorised professional practice (APP) – providing a consistent framework for deploying technologies such as AI and machine learning
- Data ethics authorised professional practice (APP) – establishing clear principles for transparent and responsible data use
Building public trust through ethical data use
The new Data ethics APP provides essential guidance for police forces and organisations collecting, storing, using and sharing data in ways that protect the privacy and wellbeing of individuals and communities. The data ethics APP establishes clear principles that set expectations for how chief officers should govern data in their forces.
Transforming frontline policing with technology
The Data-driven technologies APP focuses specifically on the technologies that analyse and interpret data to assist decision-making, from AI and machine learning to automated systems.
These technologies are already transforming frontline policing with LFR helping officers identify suspects more quickly, advanced analytics spotting emerging crime trends before they escalate, and digital forensics recovering crucial evidence that might otherwise remain hidden.
The data-driven technology APP promotes consistency when introducing technology that processes data, supporting innovation while balancing operational policing needs and public safety.
Practical AI implementation guidance
Building AI-enabled tools and systems is aimed at those overseeing projects or programmes that use tools or systems enabled by AI, to improve police performance and productivity. It provides practical guidance on how to select, test and embed AI effectively within policing.
Developed with input from officers and staff already using this technology, it helps forces navigate challenges and risks while maximising benefits.
The guidance should be read in conjunction with:
- National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) AI playbook, AI covenant and AI strategy
Advancing policing for the digital age
The guidance and APPs follow several important developments in policing, including the Code of Ethics, national standards for police information management, the National Police Chiefs' Council's Science and Technology Strategy and the National Policing Digital Strategy 2025-2030.
By establishing these ethical foundations, police forces can confidently embrace powerful new technologies while maintaining the trust and confidence of the communities they serve. This ensures that innovation in policing always serves its primary objectives to reduce crime and keep people safe.
