Acceptable use of Generative AI
This policy establishes the rules and standards for the acceptable use of generative artificial intelligence (genAI) by New Zealand Police staff and contractors. It mandates mandatory training, formal tool review and approval processes, human-in-the-loop accountability, and specific labeling of genAI outputs. Furthermore, it restricts automated decision-making and prohibits the use of genAI outputs in court contexts without prior judicial approval.
Summary and content fields are drawn from the document text and are pending editorial review.
Who issued it
Who it governs
New Zealand Police staff, contractors, and vendors who develop or supply technologies for policing operations.
What the document contains
The policy covers internal staff and contractor rules for utilizing approved generative AI tools, mandatory training requirements, procurement and vendor obligations, audit log requirements, and mandatory labeling for AI-generated text or media.
Technical documentation on underlying model architectures or specific algorithmic weights are not mentioned.
- All staff must complete acceptable use of genAI training before operating any generative AI tools.
- Every genAI tool must undergo ICT review and be approved by the Security and Privacy Reference Group before deployment.
- Fully automated use of genAI tools without a human-in-the-loop is strictly prohibited.
- GenAI outputs are currently not permitted for use in any court context without prior judicial approval.
- All genAI systems used by Police must include audit logs, and tools undergo a rolling review every six months.
· Executive Summary · Policy statement and principles · Authority for urgent use · Use of AI transcription and translation tools · Use of Generative AI tools by vendors · Governance, audit and rolling review · Additional Information · Appendix A: Suggested Generative AI Labels · Appendix B: Principles and Risk Matrix for genAI tools
How it scores
Each score is backed by a quote verified against the document text. Editorial review has not yet confirmed them.
Accountability
4/5Clear responsibility for AI outcomes
The user remains fully responsible and accountable for the outcomes and consequences that result from the use of a genAI tool, including for any Code of Conduct breaches.
Who
screening score · 2026-10-23
Fairness
4/5Non-discrimination and equitable treatment
Generative AI transcription and translation tools should be specifically assessed for their accuracy with Māori and Pacific languages before being utilised on audio primarily in these languages.
Use of AI transcription and translation tools
screening score · 2026-10-23
Human Dignity
1/5Respect for the inherent worth of persons
This policy ensures that appropriate safeguards are in place for Police’s use of genAI, and that use of genAI is lawful, ethical, proportionate, and safe in a New Zealand policing context.
Overview
screening score · 2026-10-23
Human Oversight
4/5Humans remain in control of consequential decisions
New Zealand Police does not currently permit the use of genAI in fully automated contexts (i.e. without a human-in-the-loop).
Who
screening score · 2026-10-23
Privacy
4/5Protection of personal data and private life
privacy and the use of personal and/or sensitive information
Who
screening score · 2026-10-23
Transparency
4/5Openness about how AI systems work and are used
When using a genAI tool, Police staff should label the outputs as being AI generated, referencing the name of the tool, unless there is a clear operational reason to withhold this information.
Who
screening score · 2026-10-23
Enforcement
4/5Consequences and compliance mechanisms with real force
If there are concerns that a user has used genAI beyond the approval scope, this may be considered a disciplinary matter or referred to the Integrity and Conduct group
Audit
screening score · 2026-10-23
Impact Assessment
4/5Required assessment of an AI system's risks/impacts before or during use
These aspects will be considered at the time that a Policy Risk Assessment is developed when evaluating the introduction of new genAI tools.
How and When
screening score · 2026-10-23