Swindon teenagers develop chatbot to steer young people away from knife crime

Teenagers in Swindon have developed an AI-powered chatbot designed to divert young people away from knife crime, as part of a police-backed programme aimed at tackling serious violence at its roots.

The tool, created by participants in the DiversITy-talent initiative, offers a confidential and non-judgemental space for users who may be considering carrying a knife or becoming involved in violence. It's also open to parents, carers and friends who might have concerns about someone they know. Rather than focusing on enforcement, it directs them towards support, including youth services, mentoring schemes and community organisations, that can provide alternatives and guidance.

The project is funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire, via the Serious Violence Duty, and forms part of a broader shift towards early intervention, as police forces and local agencies look to address the social and economic factors that can draw young people into violence.

Participants said they wanted to create something that would reach people at a critical moment, before decisions are made that could have life-changing consequences.

The chatbot allows users to ask questions anonymously, breaking down some of the barriers that often prevent young people from seeking help, such as fear of authority, stigma or a lack of trust in traditional services. Through simple prompts and accessible language, it signposts users to organisations equipped to offer support, advice and safer pathways.

The group worked alongside officers from Wiltshire Police and DiversITy-talent facilitators, using design-based approaches to develop and test their idea. The result is a prototype that can be accessed via a QR code and could be deployed in schools, youth centres and online spaces.

The initiative reflects a growing recognition that enforcement alone cannot address knife crime, and that young people themselves must be part of the solution.

One participant said:

“It's taught me to not be scared to reach out for help and not be scared of talking in front of people or voicing my opinion. When I got the feedback (from their presentation), it felt like I'd achieved something”

Another participant added:

"I think as long as we all put in the effort, it can make a big difference.

"Because even if it's a tiny difference, saving one life is still saving a life. And if it keeps someone out of prison, it's keeping someone out of prison, which is a great thing to do.”

Police and community partners were involved throughout the programme, offering insight into the realities of knife crime and the services available to those seeking to step away from it.

Philip Wilkinson, Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, said:

“The research that they've done has obviously been thorough.

"They've been addressing what I would consider to be the critical issues that we need to address, and the answers they've developed through their research are something we need to take away and use in terms of what we do already, but do it better.”

While still in its early stages, the project points to the potential of combining technology with youth-led insight to intervene earlier, and more effectively, in the cycle of serious violence. Organisers hope the chatbot can be developed further, becoming one of a range of tools aimed at connecting vulnerable young people with the support they need before harm occurs.

Kirsa Clothier is from Wiltshire Police's Early Intervention team:

"Early Intervention is key to preventing serious violence, and this project shows how innovation and lived experience can come together to make a real difference.

"Giving young people a confidential way to seek advice and support is a vital step in breaking down barriers and helping them to make safer choices.

"The young people who developed this chatbot should be incredibly proud, they have done a fantastic job and it has been inspiring to see them grow and flourish over the course of the project."

Published Thursday 26 March 2026