The Metropolitan Police says it is considering using artificial intelligence (AI) to help identify victims of child sex abuse and to categorise imagery.
The force investigated over 5,400 child sex abuse offences over the last year, with more than 1,300 children needing to be safeguarded from these crimes.
Online abuse is one of the fastest-growing types of crimes, the Met says, with officers spending hours reviewing seized material to categorize material by severity (Category A, B and C).
Using AI could help investigators identify and safeguard new victims earlier, while also reducing the need for officers to manually review deeply distressing material.
Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes said: “This approach could also significantly reduce the amount of time officers and staff are exposed to the most distressing material, while ensuring that human judgement, strong oversight and victim care remain at the heart of every investigation.”
AI would assist officers by quickly reviewing large volumes of material and flagging content that may relate to new victims, meaning officers could accelerate safeguarding action and identify cases which need to be prioritised.
This would effectively shorten the time between detection and intervention, while also preventing officers from being repeatedly exposed to this type of distressing and traumatic content.
Any use of artificial intelligence would operate within strict legal, ethical and safeguarding frameworks, Met Police says.
The Met Police is currently in conversation with several tech companies about how this could work across the force.
The force has also selected 23 new suites for visual recorded interviews, which are designed to help victims of crime — specifically children — feel safe and supported while giving evidence during criminal investigations.
The suites selected for renovation are in areas with high demand for interviews, including Brixton, Holborn and Bethnal Green.
Cases of child sexual abuse and exploitation has increased by 25% year‑on‑year, with the Met currently managing over 12% of cases nationally.
DC Jukes added: “The scale and complexity of child sexual abuse is changing, particularly online, and we must change how we respond.
“Alongside investing £10 million in child‑first interview spaces, we are exploring how artificial intelligence can be used responsibly to help identify potential new victims far more quickly than is possible through manual review alone. That speed matters when it comes to safeguarding children.”
London’s Victims’ Commissioner, Andrea Simon, said: "I welcome the Met Police’s investment in refurbishing their Video Recorded Interview (VRI) suites. For many victims, a VRI takes place early in the criminal justice process and safe, well-designed environments can make a real difference in building trust, during what can be a very traumatic time.
“Refurbished evidence suites that are designed around vulnerable victims and children’s needs is an important step forward. However, improving facilities is only one part of the picture. Many victims withdraw from the justice process before a charging decision is made, and to tackle this it is critical that victims are treated with care, dignity and support throughout every interaction with the police."
