An artificial intelligence assistant introduced by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has handled more than 10,000 interactions with members of the public, resolving over 75% of enquiries without human intervention – and has now received national recognition for its success.
The pioneering technology, known as Bobbi, has seen Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary and Thames Valley Police shortlisted for the NPCC Innovation and Digital Awards 2026.
Developed in partnership with Salesforce and Humberside Police, Bobbi is described as the first public-facing ‘agentic AI’ solution deployed within UK policing.
The system allows members of the public to access police services, ask questions and receive support through a natural, conversational online interface.
Unlike traditional automated chat systems, Bobbi is designed to resolve enquiries independently, while escalating matters to trained police contact handlers whenever necessary.
The technology was introduced to help tackle growing demand on police contact centres, particularly the non-emergency 101 service, while making it easier for people to access information and assistance online.
Before being launched, Bobbi underwent extensive testing and development, involving more than 1,500 test questions, 200 participants and 1,200 live conversations.
Since going live, the AI assistant has managed more than 10,000 public interactions, with over 3 in 4 enquiries resolved without the need for a member of police staff to intervene.
Police say the system has already helped reduce pressure on contact management teams, allowing officers and staff to concentrate on higher-risk incidents and more complex enquiries.
The national recognition comes ahead of International Control Room Week, which celebrates the work of police contact handlers and control room staff who support members of the public, respond to emergencies and help keep communities safe.
Both forces were named among the finalists at the NPCC Innovation and Digital Awards, recognising their joint efforts to modernise police services through emerging technology.
Chief Superintendent Clare Knibbs has said:
“To be shortlisted at the NPCC Innovation and Digital Awards is a fantastic achievement and a reflection of the hard work, collaboration and innovation shown by everyone involved in delivering Bobbi.
“From the outset, our aim was to improve the experience of those who contact us, making it easier for people to access information and support while allowing our contact management teams to focus on the most urgent and complex incidents.
“Bobbi is already delivering real benefits for the public and for our staff, and we are proud to be leading the way in exploring how emerging technologies can support modern policing.”
