Met Police Turns to AI in Fight Against Child Abuse: 641,000 Messages to Be Reviewed in 35 Minutes
The Metropolitan Police Service has announced plans to use artificial intelligence to help identify victims of online child sexual abuse and categorise illegal imagery. Having investigated more than 5,400 child sexual abuse offences over the past year, the force believes AI could help in identifying potential new victims earlier and shorten the time between intervention. Thousands of traumatic images currently reviewed manually by officers would instead be automatically graded through the use of AI.
Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes said the technology could significantly reduce the psychological burden on officers exposed to the most distressing material. The force is also considering a separate tool that would allow officers to review and risk-assess 641,000 messages in approximately 35 minutes. The Met was clear, however, that AI would serve only as an assistive tool, with specialist officers retaining decision-making responsibility throughout.
Alongside these technological steps, the Met has announced a £10 million investment in dedicated “Visual Recorded Interview’’ suites for child victims. Designed as an alternative to traditional police stations, these child-friendly and calming environments aim to reduce trauma and improve outcomes for victims during the interview process. Renovation works are under way across 23 locations in London, with Plumstead Police Station selected as the pilot site.
London’s Victims’ Commissioner Andrea Simon welcomed the refurbishment of interview suites as a positive step, but stressed that the core issue lies in approach, not facilities. Simon drew attention to the fact that many victims withdraw from the justice process before a charging decision is made, and argued that treating victims with care, dignity and support at every stage is essential.