New AI assistant and officer recruitment planned in Staffordshire Police budget boost

In early February, Commissioner Ben Adams confirmed that his proposed increase to the police precept – the portion of council tax residents pay towards policing – had been agreed following a public consultation on how much households would be willing to contribute.

The additional funding will support the recruitment of 26 new police officers over the next year, taking officer numbers in Staffordshire to their highest level in 15 years. The force say the increase will strengthen local policing teams, with a focus on greater visibility and enhanced community patrols.

Investment in technology is also set to be a key priority over the next 12 months. Plans include new systems aimed at improving response times and freeing up officer capacity. This will involve technology capable of rapidly bringing together information such as CCTV footage and other data during live incidents, as well as enhanced digital forensics to help identify suspects more quickly.

To improve accessibility and responsiveness at the force contact centre, an artificial intelligence (AI) virtual assistant will be introduced to handle non-emergency enquiries. The tool will provide information on issues such as lost property and direct users to appropriate services. The system has already been trialled by Thames Valley Police and Isle of Wight Constabulary. It will not replace 999 emergency services or crime reporting systems but will operate alongside existing online forms and telephone lines.

The force say AI would be used to support, rather than replace, professional judgement, adding that its use would be ethical and proportionate.

Tackling serious and organised crime remains another priority. The additional funding is expected to build on recent efforts to disrupt criminal networks involved in drugs supply, human trafficking, child exploitation, fraud and cyber crime.

Acting Chief Constable Becky Riggs said: “We recognise the need for additional officers in local policing, and despite funding being challenging, we’ve achieved that through this increase in precept and our savings programme.

“It is our ambition to be an outstanding local police service that delivers what matters to victims and local communities. While we operate within a challenging and changing environment, our plan remains ambitious.

“Thanks to previous investments that have been made, we have seen reductions in key areas such as residential burglaries and theft from the person.”

Mr Adams described the latest budget-setting process as “another challenging year,” citing rising costs linked to inflation, pay increases and national policy decisions.

He said government grant funding does not fully cover these pressures and that references to increased “spending power” for emergency services rely on above-inflation rises in council tax.

“My preference would always be not to raise council tax,” he said. “However, this would lead to real cuts in your police service and a reduction in their capability to keep you safe.

“Every penny raised will be focused on strengthening the service, so it is fit for the future. This, coupled with robust savings, will mean we are all better off and safer. It will allow us to continue investing in officers and staff, and ensure they have the equipment and skills required to keep themselves – and you – safe.”