The chief constable of West Midlands Police has issued a formal apology to a parliamentary committee after admitting he gave incorrect evidence, which he says was the result of an artificial intelligence (AI) error. Craig Guildford had previously told MPs the force did not use AI, but has now clarified that a fictitious football match used in intelligence reports was generated by Microsoft Copilot.
From Google Search to AI: The Changing Story
Appearing before the Home Affairs Select Committee on Monday, Craig Guildford stated that the inclusion of a non-existent match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and West Ham in police intelligence "arose as a result of a use of Microsoft Copilot". This marked a significant reversal from his earlier testimony, where he claimed the mistake was made by "one individual doing one Google search" and that the force did not utilise AI.
The false intelligence was presented to a council-led security advisory group. This group subsequently made the controversial decision to ban away fans from the Maccabi Tel Aviv football club from attending a Europa League match against Aston Villa in November.
Profound Apology and Political Fallout
In an email to the committee published on Wednesday, Guildford offered his "profound apology" for the error. He explained, "I had understood and been advised that the match had been identified by way of a Google search in preparation for attending HAC. My belief that this was the case was honestly held and there was no intention to mislead the committee."
The incident comes at a sensitive time, as Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood prepares to address MPs regarding the findings of a report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary. This report specifically investigates the decision to ban the Israeli club's supporters from the Villa Park fixture.
Broader Implications for Policing and Technology
This case highlights growing concerns about the use of AI and automated tools like Microsoft Copilot in critical policing decisions. The reliance on unverified, AI-generated information for security assessments poses serious questions about accountability and verification protocols within law enforcement.
The revelation underscores the need for robust guidelines governing how emerging technologies are deployed in operational contexts, especially when they impact public safety and the rights of individuals to attend legal events.
