Two forces today became the first in the country to introduce an AI police officer- a virtual assistant called ‘Bobbi’.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary and Thames Valley Police have launched the automated officer in a trial to provide a new way for the public to contact them.

The forces said the virtual assistant will answer frequently asked, non-emergency questions.

This is the first time this technology has been used in policing in the UK and offers an additional service, alongside our online forms, telephone lines and front counters, for those who prefer to use a virtual assistant to ask questions and seek help or advice.’

Bobbi has been tested by more 200 people during its development, including by representatives from victim care groups and independent scrutiny panel members, the forces said in a statement

Read more: Two UK police forces become first in the country to introduce an AI police officer