South Yorkshire Police launched a new AI assistant named Bobbi on a Thursday to handle non-emergency inquiries. The tool aims to reduce waiting times for the force’s 101 service by providing automated answers to frequently asked questions, though it cannot be used to report crimes or as a 999 alternative.
How Bobbi Functions for Non-Emergency Queries
The Bobbi chatbot is now live on the South Yorkshire Police website, functioning as a digital assistant for public inquiries. Unlike general-purpose AI tools that scour the internet for data, the force confirmed that Bobbi uses closed-source information
provided by the police to ensure accuracy and confidentiality. If the system cannot resolve a user’s query, it refers them to human digital desk operators who are available 24/7.
Chief Superintendent Cherie Buttle, head of the Force Control Room, stated that the technology is intended to streamline public interaction. Bobbi will be a useful tool to help reduce calls to 101, save members of the public time, and provide concise and reliable answers to frequently asked questions,
she said.
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Addressing Wait Times on the 101 Service
South Yorkshire Police reports receiving more than 1,000 calls to its 101 number every day. Officials noted that during peak periods, callers frequently experience wait times of 20 minutes or longer. By diverting common questions to the AI, the force aims to clear the phone lines for more serious or complex matters that require human intervention.
We receive more than 1,000 101 calls each day and we know that some callers can be waiting 20 minutes or more to speak to our staff during periods of high demand.
South Yorkshire Police Adopts Secure AI System for 101 Calls
The introduction of Bobbi follows a similar technological shift in August, when the force implemented AI software to triage 101 calls by filtering out nuisance, prank, or misdirected contacts.
I also recognise some people will have concerns around the use of AI, and I want to emphasise that Bobbi is a secure system. It is an alternative to, not a replacement, for some 101 calls.
South Yorkshire Police is the latest force to adopt this technology. The system is already in use by the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, Thames Valley Police, and Humberside Police. According to the force, any data shared with the AI assistant remains confidential and will not be utilized for purposes outside of police operations.