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Aimee Smith, Director of Data at the Metropolitan Police, has spent over two decades turning data into a critical tool for one of the world’s most recognised police forces. In an episode of Driven by Data: The Podcast, Aimee shared her journey of founding the Met’s Data Office, tackling systemic challenges, and building a foundation for data-driven policing.

1. From Intelligence Analyst to Data Leader

Aimee’s career began 22 years ago as an intelligence analyst. Her role spanned areas such as burglary, robbery, and covert intelligence operations, giving her a deep understanding of how criminals operate. These experiences shaped her perspective on the power of data and led to her becoming the driving force behind the Met’s data transformation.

In 2019, Aimee established the Met’s Data Office, an initiative designed to modernise how the organisation leverages data to enhance public safety. It wasn’t just about dashboards—it was about embedding data into the Met’s DNA to improve operational efficiency and decision-making.

2. Addressing Public Scrutiny Through Data

The Data Office emerged at a time when the Met faced significant public scrutiny over data handling. “We were the most complained-about organisation to the ICO at one point,” Aimee recalls. Alongside this, a visionary leader in Dame Cressida Dick recognised the untapped potential of the Met’s data, advocating for the creation of a dedicated data office.

This dual pressure of external criticism and internal leadership support was pivotal in establishing the office’s importance.

3. Tackling Data Literacy and Cultural Change

One of the biggest challenges Aimee identified was data literacy across the organisation. “You can have all the tools in the world, but if people don’t know how to input data or why quality matters, it’s all wasted,” she explains.

Her solution? Focus on storytelling and connecting data’s impact to frontline policing. By aligning data initiatives with officers’ day-to-day work, Aimee has begun to shift perceptions of data from a back-office function to a frontline asset.

4. The Evolution of Data in Policing

Data isn’t new to policing—it’s just taken on different forms over the years. From performance tracking in the 1800s to modern DNA analysis, the Met has always used data to improve outcomes.

Today, Aimee’s focus is on scaling these efforts through technology. By introducing cloud-based data platforms and AI capabilities, the Met is moving towards faster, more effective decision-making.

5. Ethical Challenges and Public Trust

With great power comes great responsibility, and Aimee is acutely aware of the ethical dilemmas that come with using data in policing. From biased datasets to public perception, she believes transparency is key.

“We need to prove to the public that we can be trusted with their data,” Aimee says. To that end, her team works with external ethics committees, tests for bias in new technologies, and prioritises projects that build public confidence.

6. The Future of Data-Driven Policing

For Aimee, the future lies in using data to shift from reactive to proactive policing. Some of her key priorities include:

  • Preventing crime before it happens through predictive analytics.
  • Enhancing officer decision-making with real-time insights delivered to handheld devices.
  • Improving victim experiences by analysing data through a compassionate lens.

But she acknowledges that scaling these ambitions requires balancing innovation with public acceptance.

Conclusion

Aimee Smith’s work at the Metropolitan Police is a testament to the transformative power of data. By addressing cultural challenges, prioritising ethics, and aligning data initiatives with frontline needs, she’s laying the groundwork for a safer, data-driven future in policing.

Her story serves as a reminder that the right use of data isn’t just about technology—it’s about people, trust, and creating meaningful impact.

 

You can listen to the full episode here:

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