University of Hertfordshire and Hertfordshire Constabulary launch partnership to drive AI-powered crime prevention and leadership development

Known as the Herts Network for Safer Communities and Digital Policing, the collaboration will combine academic expertise with operational experience to deliver innovative solutions for crime prevention, workforce development, and digital transformation.

Central to the initiative are AI-driven research projects designed to tackle crime and address areas of vulnerability - such as safeguarding individuals at risk, supporting victims and identifying communities disproportionately affected by crime – alongside pioneering ethical AI programmes and piloting cutting-edge technologies to enhance operational effectiveness.

The partnership will also provide tailored policing apprenticeships that create clear pathways for young people into the profession, plus upskill existing staff with lifelong learning. A Level 7 Senior Leadership Apprenticeship Programme already launched this week– marking one of the first major initiatives from the new collaboration.

Professor Anthony Woodman, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hertfordshire, said: 

“We are delighted to formalise this partnership, which underscores our commitment to research-driven innovation and meaningful community impact. By combining academic expertise with operational experience, we aim to create safer communities while establishing Hertfordshire as a leading centre for research excellence. Through enhanced learning opportunities, graduate pathways, and pioneering work in data, digital technologies, and AI, we will not only prepare more graduates and postgraduates for key roles within the Constabulary but also strive to set national standards for policing and public safety.”

Hertfordshire Constabulary Chief Constable Andy Prophet said:  

“We are proud to be partnering with the University of Hertfordshire to create and drive innovative digital solutions that will transform policing in the county and hopefully across the UK. I am confident that the combination of the university’s academic expertise and our operational experience will lead to exciting ideas. We look forward to implementing these and sharing them nationally to make communities safer not just here in Hertfordshire but across the UK too.”

For more information about the Herts Network for Safer Communities and Digital Policing, email be.herts.ac.uk.