AI and drones will change the work of the Norwegian police. The first phase will cost billions

Minister of Justice and Public Security Astri Aas-Hansen describes the plan as one of the largest investments in the Norwegian police. The police had previously recommended modernizing IT systems, with the cost estimated at NOK 12–13 billion. The program is to be implemented in stages over many years. National Police Commissioner Håkon Skulstad emphasizes that the first phase is intended to create an IT platform providing sufficient computing power for new services.

Drones are already used by the Norwegian police during rescue operations and interventions. Skulstad explains that the devices make it possible to quickly obtain an overview of the situation, helping determine how many officers and what resources should be deployed to the scene. They can also help establish whether a suspect has a weapon. The police also use them inside buildings during potentially dangerous operations. In some such situations, a drone can enter a room before officers do.

The technology also enables direct communication. Skulstad confirms that the police can send a drone to a suspect and broadcast the message: “Hello, this is the police. We can see you.” The Oslo Police District (Oslo politidistrikt) has deployed devices in various parts of the capital, from where they can take off and conduct surveillance for around 30 minutes. They then return to the charging station and prepare for the next task. Drones are also used several times a week in searches for missing persons.

Artificial intelligence is to be the second key element of the modernization. The police already use speech-to-text solutions, which can reduce the time needed to manually transcribe thousands of interviews conducted each year. Tools are also being developed to facilitate communication with people who do not know Norwegian or English. Since April 2025, businesses have also been able to file reports digitally concerning, among other things, shoplifting and vandalism. Companies submit 40,000–45,000 such reports annually.

AI is also intended to be used to analyze material collected in criminal proceedings. According to Skulstad, the system can prepare proposed summaries of evidence and documents related to charges, which must then be reviewed by a human. The police also use facial recognition in the passport and identity document register when identifying victims of sexual crimes online. In one case in Nordland, the solution helped identify nearly 200 children. The police estimate that without this tool, they would have been able to establish the identities of only five victims.

Police authorities also declare that the use of drones will be subject to oversight and documentation. Skulstad assures that the devices are not intended to monitor residents’ everyday lives or look through their windows. Recording how the technology is used is intended to make it possible to later review officers’ actions.