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Staffordshire Police launch AI chatbot to handle non-emergency queries
Overview
Staffordshire Police has introduced an AI-powered virtual assistant named Bobbi to handle non-emergency questions on its website's live chat. The 12-month trial aims to reduce waiting times, manage routine inquiries, and free up human call handlers for more urgent and complex cases.
Key points
- Staffordshire Police is the first force in the West Midlands to launch the AI chatbot, named Bobbi.
- The virtual assistant is available via the live chat function on the force's website for a 12-month trial period.
- Bobbi is designed to answer routine questions, such as whether a specific incident constitutes a crime.
- The technology aims to reduce demand on the contact centre and free up call handlers for complex and urgent inquiries.
- Bobbi cannot be used to report crimes, does not replace the 999 emergency service, and will not replace human staff.
