The Metropolitan Police Service is exploring the use of artificial intelligence to support investigations into online child sexual abuse cases and help identify victims more quickly.
The force currently investigates thousands of child sexual abuse offences each year and works to safeguard over a thousand children affected by these crimes.
Officers manually review large volumes of illegal material to identify victims, link cases, and assess risk levels. This process exposes staff to highly distressing content and places significant emotional strain on investigators.
Police leaders believe AI could help reduce this burden by categorising material and highlighting potential victims earlier in investigations.
Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes said AI could significantly reduce the time officers spend viewing harmful content. He also stressed that human judgment and strict oversight would remain central to all decision-making.
The Met also confirmed it is in discussions with technology companies about developing tools that can analyse and prioritise large volumes of data more efficiently.
One proposed system could help officers review and assess hundreds of thousands of messages in a short period of time, significantly speeding up investigative work.
At present, officers categorise child abuse material into severity levels and use this process to guide investigations and safeguarding decisions.
The force has stated that any future AI use would operate under strict legal, ethical, and safeguarding frameworks, with trained officers retaining full control over decisions.
Alongside AI development, the Met is investing in improved facilities for victims. It is upgrading Visual Recorded Interview suites designed to provide a safer and more supportive environment for children giving evidence.
These upgraded spaces aim to reduce trauma and improve the experience for vulnerable victims during police interviews.
London Victims’ Commissioner Andrea Simon welcomed improvements to facilities but stressed that stronger victim support throughout the justice process remains essential.
She said many victims withdraw before cases reach court, highlighting the importance of consistent care, dignity, and emotional support at every stage of an investigation.
The discussion around AI in policing has also raised concerns in the past, particularly regarding privacy, oversight, and the use of surveillance technologies.
As the Met continues exploring new tools, officials say the priority remains balancing technological efficiency with safeguarding rights and protecting vulnerable people.
