Jersey police using AI to fight crime, says report

Jersey Police has been praised for the way it is tackling crime with technology

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital systems are helping the police service fight crime, an authority has said.

Simon Harman, who chairs the Jersey Police Authority, released its annual report - praising the force for the way it was tackling crime with technology.

The force announced in March it was testing AI to help transcribe witness interviews.

Separately, the report found an increase in incidents involving missing young people on the island and youth crime - costing about £1.8m in 2024.

'Complexity of cases'

States of Jersey Police said it had brought in AI to "promise long-term efficiencies and enhanced decision-making" but assured the processes were still being overseen by humans.

Police Chief Robin Smith said the process of collecting data, known as digital forensics, continued to present challenges with its "increasing costs, volume and demand".

"The complexity of cases and the large volume of data require considerable resources and expertise, which we are continually striving to enhance," he said.

Mr Smith said the 741 missing person reports, "virtually all of which related to young people", highlighted "the need for continued focus and resources" in that area.

The report also found there were more than 1,000 speeding incidents in the island in 2024, with 54 serious injury road crashes reported, 675 non-injury related crashed and there was a 28% increase in vehicle crime.