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Met Police Invests £10M in AI for Child Abuse Victims

4/16/2026

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Police Enhance Victim Identification

The Metropolitan Police is exploring AI to improve victim identification in online child abuse cases.
Over past year the force investigated more than 5,400 offenses and safeguarded 1,300 children.
AI could speed up victim identification and reduce officers' exposure to distressing material.
The Metropolitan Police is investing £10 million in Visual Recorded Interview suites for child-friendly interviews.
Victims' Commissioner Andrea Simon emphasizes comprehensive support for victims throughout the justice process.

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Police Tackle Online Abuse

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services reports that police forces are struggling to investigate online child sexual abuse effectively.
The report notes a 66% increase in referrals from 2023 to 2024 and a 48% rise in registered sex offenders over the past decade.
Investigators manage up to 54 cases each, and digital forensic examinations can take up to two years.
The Home Office plans to strengthen laws against tech-assisted child sexual abuse and improve offender management.
The College of Policing and other bodies are calling for urgent action to address these issues.

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Police Enhance Victim Identification

The Metropolitan Police is exploring AI to improve victim identification in online child abuse cases.
Over past year the force investigated more than 5,400 offenses and safeguarded 1,300 children.
AI could speed up victim identification and reduce officers' exposure to distressing material.
The Metropolitan Police is investing £10 million in Visual Recorded Interview suites for child-friendly interviews.
Victims' Commissioner Andrea Simon emphasizes comprehensive support for victims throughout the justice process.

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