An artificial intelligence chatbot is being trialled to answer non-emergency questions from the public.
Named Bobbi, the AI assistant is part of a new pilot scheme launched by Thames Valley Police and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.
It is designed to handle frequently asked queries through a conversational online chat, freeing up call handlers to focus on emergencies and more complex enquiries.
READ MORE: Southampton IT firm appoints new head of AI
Simon Dodds, chief superintendent and head of contact management for both forces, said: "This is a really exciting time for us as we trial this technology in policing.
"Locally and nationally, contact into the police increases year-on-year, online and over the phone, and it is important that the valuable skillset of our call handlers and digital desk operators is spent on emergencies and complex, sensitive issues.
"Empathy, common sense and that intangible gut instinct are some of the many human skills that need to guide our interactions with the public, particularly in their time of need."
Bobbi is not able to take crime reports or replace the 999 emergency line.
It instead offers an alternative way for the public to ask questions and access information.
If the chatbot is unable to help or if a user requests to speak with a person, the conversation is transferred to a digital desk operator.
The AI assistant has been tested by more than 200 people during development, including victim care groups and members of independent scrutiny panels.
READ MORE: AI helping council boost school attendance
Mr Dodds said: "By providing quick responses to commonly asked, non-emergency questions, Bobbi will enhance our service to our communities, ensuring that every member of the public can get the help they need, whenever they need it."
The technology uses only closed-source information supplied by the two police forces.
Conversations remain private and are not used outside the organisations.
The chatbot will continue to be updated and improved to reflect changes in legislation and public needs.
Mr Dodds said: "Bobbi will always remain as a work in progress so whilst we are launching the technology today after an intense building and testing period, our experienced staff will continue to train it to fix any bugs, remain up-to-date with legislation and policies and evolve the technology in line with the needs of our communities."
