The police are set to rollout AI to catch criminals by 2030, according to a new announcement today by technology secretary Peter Kyle.
Top scientists are developing a detailed real time and interaction crime map that spans across England and Wales to detect, track and predict where devastating knife crime is likely to occur, and spot early warning signs of anti-social behaviour before it escalates.
Advanced AI will bring together data shared between police, councils, and social services, including criminal records, previous incident locations and behavioural patterns of known offenders.
The Concentrations of Crime Data Challenge brings together teams from business, universities, and beyond to develop the solution to be operational across England and Wales by 2030, as part of the government’s £500 million R&D Missions Accelerator Programme.
As part of an initial £4 million government investment, teams will deliver the initial prototypes to develop the mapping system by April 2026, which will also support the Safer Street Mission, which aims to halve knife crime and violence against women and girls (VAWG) within a decade.
Peter Kyle, science and technology secretary, said: “Cutting-edge technology like AI can improve our lives in so many ways, including in keeping us safe, which is why we’re putting it to work for victims over vandals, the law-abiding majority over the lawbreakers.
“Our police officers are at their best when they join up to prevent crime rather than react to it, and R&D can deliver crucial tools for them to stay on step ahead of potential dangers to the public and property—keeping our streets safe and delivering on our Plan for Change.”
John Hayward-Cripps, CEO of Neighbourhood Watch, said: “We welcome the announcement of this challenge which will bring together experts and practitioners at the cutting edge of crime, data and technology, to create an operational mapping system which we hope will enable people to feel safer and more secure in their homes and local neighbourhood.
“The map will pool a wealth of valuable crime data and enable law enforcement to target their resources more effectively at a local level and help prevent further victims of crime. As an organisation that strive to build a society where neighbours are more connected, safer, and active in their communities, we welcome this laser focus on harnessing data and tech to prevent crime at the local level.”
