A Derbyshire police officer is under criminal investigation over allegations they used artificial intelligence to fabricate evidence in multiple cases – a scandal that has left the Crown Prosecution Service scrambling to notify defence teams and courts.
The officer, who has not been identified, has been removed from frontline duties pending the outcome of the investigation, Derbyshire Constabulary confirmed. No arrests have been made.
“Derbyshire police officer under criminal investigation for allegedly using AI to create false evidence in multiple cases.”
The force said in a statement: 'A criminal investigation has been launched into an allegation of perverting the course of justice after the alleged use of AI systems by an officer to create evidential material in a number of cases.'
The investigation, first reported by the Financial Times, centres on accusations that the officer used AI to 'create evidential material' – a phrase that raises the spectre of doctored documents, fabricated witness statements or artificially generated forensic reports.
A CPS spokesman said: 'We are working with Derbyshire Constabulary as it conducts enquiries into the alleged use of Artificial Intelligence by an officer. We are engaging with defence teams and the courts in appropriate cases.'
The revelation comes as policing tries to embrace AI responsibly. This week saw the launch of PoliceAI, a new national centre for AI in policing. Its interim director, Alex Murray, said at Wednesday's launch: 'Crime and technology are evolving rapidly. Policing must keep pace by adopting AI responsibly to catch criminals and keep people safe.'
But the investigation into the Derbyshire officer underscores the risks. If an officer is found to have used AI to create false evidence, it could undermine dozens of prosecutions. The CPS said it is 'engaging with' defence teams and courts which may have been affected by the conduct, though the force cautioned that the investigation is 'in its early stages, so no further details are available.'
The case raises urgent questions about the safeguards needed when officers deploy AI tools. For now, the officer remains under investigation, the full extent of any damage unknown.