Ghent police launch AI chatbot: “Digital inspector helps day and night”

Ghent residents can now ask the local police a virtual “digital inspector” questions at any time of day. The AI chatbot operates through the police website and is also accessible by smartphone, tablet and computer.

The system introduces itself as “the chatbot of Ghent Police, a virtual AI assistant” and immediately tells users that no human is involved in the conversation. It then asks how it can help. Police said the tool relies on information from the police and the city.

Deputy police chief Hans Moors said the chatbot should make it easier for residents to get quick and understandable answers. “This gives citizens faster and clearer answers, and creates more space for police officers for real contact,” he said.

Ghent police had been examining the idea for two years. After several months of testing, the system has now been made available to the general public. Officials hope it will also reach people who do not currently visit a police station or call the police. They said the service focuses on accessible language, ease of use and discretion.

The police zone also expects to benefit from the questions themselves. Repeated queries and recurring reports could show what concerns residents, potentially leading to actions such as increased checks. Police are studying further additions, including the possibility of allowing users to make appointments through the chatbot. For now, the tool remains somewhat hidden on the website, opening when users click an icon in the lower-right corner.

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This gives citizens faster and clearer answers, and creates more space for police officers for real contact.