Met police using AI tools supplied by Palantir to flag officer misconduct

The Guardian World

by Robert Booth UK technology editor

February 22, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The Met Police is leveraging advanced AI tools provided by the US tech company Palantir to monitor officer behavior and identify potential misconduct. This move aims to address issues like absenteeism, overtime patterns, and sick leave by analyzing internal data to detect professional shortcomings. However, this controversial approach has sparked criticism from the Police Federation, which labels it as "automated suspicion." Critics argue that relying on AI for such sensitive matters could lead to unfair accusations and undermine trust in both officers and the system. Palantir's technology is renowned for its use in military and government operations, including work with the Israeli military and Donald Trump’s ICE agency. This association has raised ethical concerns, particularly given the company's ties to controversial organizations. The Met Police initially avoided confirming the use of Palantir's tools but has now acknowledged their deployment. The AI system flags patterns in employee behavior that could indicate misconduct or inefficiency. While the goal is to improve accountability and professional standards, there are worries about the potential for bias and overreach. Critics question whether such technology should play a role in evaluating human conduct, as it may lead to flawed conclusions based on incomplete data. This development highlights broader concerns about the use of AI in law enforcement and its impact on transparency and fairness. As governments increasingly turn to technology to address systemic issues, questions arise about balancing efficiency with ethical considerations. The case of Palantir's AI in the Met Police underscores the need for careful oversight to ensure that such tools do not erode public trust or infringe on individual rights.

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/22/2026