British detective under investigation for use of AI in criminal cases

The UK police oversight body, the IOPC (Independent Office for Police Conduct), has launched an independent investigation into a detective from Derbyshire Constabulary. The question is whether the detective used artificial intelligence inappropriately while investigating criminal cases. The IOPC announced the case on October 22, 2026.

The detective has been notified that they are under investigation for alleged gross misconduct. These are allegations, and no misconduct has been established. The detective's identity has not been disclosed. According to LBC, which reported on the IOPC's announcement, the officer is a senior one, but rank is not stated in the IOPC's own announcement.

What is the detective accused of?

According to the IOPC, the detective is alleged to have used AI to draft policing decisions, assess and manage risk, and justify decisions. It is also alleged that sensitive operational and personal information about cases was entered into the system.

In May 2025, Derbyshire Constabulary approved the use of Microsoft Copilot, an AI assistant, to help write reports and summarize information. The condition was that no operational, sensitive or personal data could be entered.

The police referred the case themselves

The force voluntarily referred the case to the IOPC on June 23, 2026. This followed an internal review of the officer's AI use, which raised concerns about whether it complied with the force's requirements.

The IOPC will examine the officer's use of Copilot from May 2025 to June 2026 and assess whether there were breaches of police professional standards. According to LBC, the IOPC began the investigation in August 2026. No disciplinary decision or sanction has been announced yet.

Emily Barry, Director of Engagement at the IOPC, says: "These are serious allegations and it's right they are investigated thoroughly and independently."

Warning to officers

In a general warning on October 13, 2026, the IOPC said it is running two independent investigations into alleged AI-related gross misconduct following referrals from police forces.

According to the IOPC, officers can end up in misconduct (disciplinary) cases because they do not know or understand what is permitted with AI. For ordinary employees, the takeaway is that an AI tool approved for some tasks may not necessarily be used for everything, and that entering sensitive information against the rules can have consequences.