BBC Learning English - 6 Minute English / Can AI solve crime?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Download a free 6 Minute English worksheet and transcript!
Try our free interactive quiz!
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Try more episodes of 6 Minute English:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Introduction
How can artificial intelligence be used to help police solve crime? Neil and Beth discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.
This week's question
In 2020, a magazine called the Radio Times asked readers who their favourite TV detective was. Who was the most popular?
a) Sherlock Holmes
b) Hercule Poirot
c) Miss Marple
Listen to the programme to hear the answer.
Vocabulary
where (someone) is coming from
someone's opinion or perspective
background
the area that someone has most experience in
what can (something) do for me?
how can (something) help or improve things?
renaissance
new interest or activity in a subject
out of favour
less popular or appealing
real-time
information is presented as it is happening
TRANSCRIPT
Note: This is not a word-for-word transcript.
Beth
Hello and welcome to 6 Minute English from BBC Learning English. I'm Beth.
Neil
And I'm Neil. Don't forget that you can find a transcript and a quiz for this episode on our website, bbclearningenglish.com.
Beth
Now today, Neil, we're talking all about solving crime. Do you think you'd be a good detective?
Neil
Actually, no, Beth. I think my brain's not very good with details! Today, we'll be talking about how artificial intelligence might help detectives and the police investigate crimes. But first, I have a question for you, Beth – in the UK, lots of people enjoy watching fictional detectives on TV. These programmes are called murder mysteries and tell the story of a detective solving a crime. In 2020, a magazine called the Radio Times asked readers who their favourite TV detective was. So, who do you think was the most popular? Was it:
a) Sherlock Holmes
b) Hercule Poirot
c) Miss Marple
Beth
Surely it's Sherlock Holmes?
Neil
Well, you sound very sure, but I will reveal the answer at the end of the programme. Now, when the police are investigating crimes in the real world, their techniques are often quite different from what we see on television.
Beth
Yes. Solving crimes involves collecting and reviewing lots of evidence, like DNA, fingerprints, or CCTV.
Neil
All of this work takes a lot of time. So, can AI help police speed up the work and even solve crimes? That's the question listener Alastair had for BBC Radio 4 programme The Artificial Human. And host Aleks Krotoski wanted to know more…
Aleks Krotoski
So, Alastair, why are you asking this question? Tell us a little bit more about yourself and where you're coming from?
Alastair
So, my name's Alastair and I'm a serving police officer. My background is with investigation. I'm looking at artificial intelligence and thinking, "What can it do for me?"
Beth
Alex asks Alastair to explain where he's coming from. This means explain his perspective or point of view. In informal English, we'll often ask someone, "Do you get where I'm coming from?" And we're asking whether they understand our opinion or perspective.
Neil
Alastair explains that he's interested in how artificial intelligence could help solve crimes, because he's a police officer with a background in investigations. If you have a background in something, it means most of your previous work or experience was related to something. For example, I work as a producer at BBC Learning English now, making programmes, but my background is in classroom teaching.
Beth
Alastair talks about using artificial intelligence for training and asks, "What can it do for me?" This means, "How can artificial intelligence help or improve something?"
Neil
When a crime happens, police officers have to collect and review a lot of information to find evidence. When you have a lot of information to review, it can be difficult to know what's important and find patterns which might be relevant to the crime.
Beth
But Professor Ruth Morgan, an expert in crime and forensic science, thinks AI could help speed up police work, as she told BBC Radio 4's The Artificial Human.
Ruth Morgan
I think we're seeing a renaissance in the pattern-recognition forms of evidence, so finger marks, footwear marks. There's been lots of challenges with those forms of evidence over the last ten years, probably going a little bit out of favour. And yet what we're beginning to see now with AI is that you can take a photo of a mark with your phone, compare that mark to the database and get real-time insight.
Neil
Ruth says that there is a renaissance in looking at patterns in evidence, such as finger marks or footwear marks. Renaissance means new interest or activity in a particular topic or area.
Beth
This kind of evidence went a little bit out of favour over recent years because of the excitement around DNA evidence. If something is out of favour, it is less popular or appealing.
Neil
But AI could mean that patterns in finger marks or footwear marks are useful in solving crimes again. This is because AI can be used to compare a picture of a mark with a database of pictures from other crimes and get real-time insight. The adjective real-time means the information is presented at the same time that it's happening.
Beth
Yes, AI can compare lots of information very quickly, which makes finding patterns in evidence much easier and more reliable.
Neil
There are some problems with using AI to solve crimes though.
Beth
To find these patterns, lots of private information would need to be collected, and police usually have to give clear reasons why they need access to certain information in their investigations.
Neil
It's unlikely an AI-powered robot would ever replace a detective anytime soon!
Beth
Yes, and that reminds me of your question, Neil. I said that Sherlock Holmes was maybe the most popular detective. Was I right?
Neil
You were absolutely right. And I think people should try the quiz on our website to find out how much they know as well. It's at bbclearningenglish.com. OK. Let's recap the vocabulary we've learned, starting with the expression where you're coming from, which means your opinion or perspective on something.
Beth
Your background is the area that you have the most work experience in.
Neil
The question 'what can this do for me?' means 'how can this help or improve things?'
Beth
Renaissance means new interest or activity in something
Neil
If something is out of favour, it has become less popular or appealing.
Beth
And the adjective real-time means information is presented as it is happening.
Neil
Once again, our six minutes are up. Head to our website to find more episodes of 6 Minute English at bbclearningenglish.com. Bye for now!
Beth
Bye!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
4 hours ago
- Daily Record
Netflix's Adolescence is now second biggest English-language show on streaming platform
Netflix's Adolescence has hit a huge new milestone, surpassing Stranger Things, as the second most watched English-language TV series, but which show holds the top spot? Netflix's Adolescence has officially became the streamer's second most-watched English-language TV series, surpassing Stranger Things, which previously held the crime drama mini-series, co-created and starring Stephen Graham, arrived on the streaming platform on March 13 and recently reached a huge milestone of 141.2M total views, putting it above the fourth season of Stranger Things, which initially held the title at 140.7M views. It follows the dramatic aftermath of a 13-year-old boy Jamie, portrayed by Owen Cooper, who is arrested for murdering a classmate. Each episode is remarkably shot in one take. In first place is the debut season of the platform's Addams Family spin-off, Wednesday, starring Jenna Ortega, which racked in a jaw dropping 252.1M total views within its first 91 days. In comparison, season one of the streamer's popular Korean psychological thriller Squid Game is Netflix's most watched non-English language TV series, bringing in a whopping 265.2M views in its first three months. Adolescence, which is likely to land several Emmy nominations next month, recently swept at the 2025 Gotham TV Awards. It was awarded the prize for Breakthrough Limited Series, as well as two acting awards for Graham and young newcomer Owen Cooper for Outstanding Lead Performance in a Limited Series and Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Limited Series, respectively. In his acceptance speech, Graham said: 'We're overwhelmed for you to embrace us the way you have. "This was a small colloquial piece that was made with love, respect, humility and dignity, and we treated the subject with a lot of passion, but a lot of care.' Speaking to The Independent in March about the struggles of shooting each episode in one go, director Philip Barantini admitted: 'It was quite difficult, but it was fun as well. It was meticulously planned. '[Tech rehearsals] would be an opportunity for the sound team to put the booms where they needed to be. "And, we had all the support and the runners and ADs all dressed in police uniforms in the first episode and teachers in the second episode so they could be on camera and cueing things. 'It was technically challenging, but a huge collaboration.' It comes after 15-year-old Owen from Cheshire in England recently appeared on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and boldly revealed "one thing he hates about America". Host Jimmy had asked the teenager what he didn't like about America as Owen spent some time there promoting the Netflix drama which is now in talks for a second series. The young actor replied: "One thing I hate about America - the chocolate and the sweets, everything is just terrible. It's just Cheetos and all that nonsense. Honestly, I hate it." Whilst slating US confectionery, he even brought out some classic British snacks to prove his point that they are better. Owen lifted up a basket of snacks to reveal his favourite treats to Jimmy, which included the classic Maltesers. He asked the host: "Have you ever had a Malteser? Right - I'll bring the whole basket up. So this is what I brought [Monster Munch, Maltesers and Fruit Pastilles]"
Daily Mail
5 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Pride and Prejudice gets a starry makeover as Marisa Abela, Harris Dickinson and Glenn Close lead all-star Audible adaptation for Jane Austen's 250th anniversary
Is this the most A-list audiobook ever? Forget screen credits - some of Britain's biggest stars are lending their voices to a new audio adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, released by Audible to mark the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth. Marisa Abela plays a sharp-tongued Elizabeth Bennet opposite Harris Dickinson's brooding Mr Darcy. Jessie Buckley voices the snide Caroline Bingley, Bill Nighy brings Mr Bennet to life and Glenn Close takes on the formidable Lady Catherine de Bourgh. While some fans are mourning the fact this dream cast never appears together on screen, Ms Abela confirmed they did come together in the studio. 'Recording this with such a phenomenal cast and team was such a true joy,' she said. Staying 'faithful to the original text', the production adds what Audible calls a 'unique interior perspective' from Elizabeth Bennet, offering insight into the heroine's inner world. The audiobook will be released in English on September 9 in the UK, US, Canada, India and Australia, with translations in Castilian Spanish, French, German, Italian and Brazilian Portuguese to follow. Ms Abela, 28, known for Industry and the Amy Winehouse biopic Back to Black, said: 'Elizabeth Bennet is one of the most fiercely intelligent and iconic characters in literature, and stepping into her shoes has been an incredible honour. 'What I love about this adaptation is how it lets us hear her inner world in such a vivid, intimate way - it feels both timeless and fresh.' Mr Dickinson, 28, whose credits include The Iron Claw and Babygirl, added: 'Playing Mr Darcy was an amazing experience. I've always known him as this iconic character, but getting to really dive into the novel through this process gave me a whole new appreciation for him and the world. 'Being part of such a talented cast made it even better. It's a real privilege to be part of something so timeless.' The supporting cast includes Will Poulter as Mr Wickham, Toheeb Jimoh as Mr Bingley, David Gyasi as Mr Gardiner, Rosalind Eleazar as Mrs Gardiner, Bertie Carvel as Mr Collins and Leah Harvey as Charlotte Lucas. Other members of the Bennet family are voiced by Marianne Jean-Baptiste as Mrs Bennet, Sophie Wilde as Jane, Antonia Salib as Kitty, Patricia Allison as Lydia and Aasiya Shah as Mary. 'It's remarkable how Pride and Prejudice has stood the test of time globally to be one of every generation's favourite love stories,' said Aurélie de Troyer, Audible's head of regional content for Europe. Netflix announced the cast for its upcoming six-part limited series based on Jane Austen's beloved 1800s novel Pride & Prejudice with Emma Corrin and Jack Lowden in lead roles 'Lulu Raczka's script is thrilling and conveys all of Jane Austen's energy in an engaging, modern way. Through the intimacy of audio, we have the unique ability to make the passion and romance truly electric, and Marisa Abela and Harris Dickinson's chemistry as Elizabeth and Darcy is undeniable.' This latest production joins Audible's growing roster of high-profile audio dramas, including 1984 with Andrew Garfield, Tom Hardy, Cynthia Erivo and Andrew Scott, The Mysterious Affair at Styles starring Peter Dinklage and a trilogy of Dickens adaptations produced by Sam Mendes. The company is also preparing new versions of all seven Harry Potter books, with the first due out in late 2025. Details of the cast are yet to be announced. And for those who still prefer their Austen on screen, Pride and Prejudice is set to return to television in a new limited series for Netflix. Dolly Alderton, the bestselling author of Everything I Know About Love, has written a six-part adaptation directed by Heartstopper's Euros Lyn. 'Once in a generation, a group of people get to retell this wonderful story and I feel very lucky that I get to be a part of it,' Alderton said. The series will stay true to the period setting and features a high-profile cast. The Crown's Emma Corrin stars as Elizabeth Bennet, with Slow Horses actor Jack Lowden as Darcy and Oscar winner Olivia Colman as Mrs Bennet.
Daily Mail
6 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Sweet moment Katy Perry begs young girl's teacher to excuse her from exam as she invites her on stage in Sydney
Katy Perry shared a sweet moment with a young fan at her Sydney show on Wednesday night. The American superstar kicked off her massive, month-long tour in Australia with her first show at Qudos Bank Arena. During the set, Perry invited a young fan called Tiana on stage, with the little girl admitting she was missing out on studying for an exam to attend the show. Katy grabbed the fan's phone and quickly recorded a message for her teacher, pleading for mercy. 'Hi Miss Eunice, it's Katy Perry. I'm with Tiana' Katy began. Katy Perry shared a sweet moment with a young fan at her Sydney show on Wednesday night. During the set, Perry invited a young fan called Tiana on stage, with the little girl admitting she was missing out on studying for an exam to attend the show 'I know she's about to take this exam for English and we just wanna say that we might be a little bit tired because we were on the stage last night' she continued. 'So if you could just be a little kind, this is an exception. Please Miss Eunice, have some kindness for us!' Tiana appeared on the Today show the following day where she relayed her excitement about the special interaction. 'In the moment [I was in] a state of shock... I was trying to pinch myself. I didn't like what was going on' she said. 'She was just talking with us, we were giving her our names. And then I mentioned that I have an English exam tomorrow that I'm actually supposed to be studying for, but instead I'm here supporting Katy Perry. 'I get to skip my exam because Katy Perry said so.' At the same show, Katy also shared a touching moment with her fans when she invited a group of young admirers on stage to sing Thinking Of You with her. Alongside the delighted fans was one boy in a shark costume, a callback to Katy's viral Left Shark moment, which involved a 'shark' dancing at Perry's Super Bowl halftime show in 2015. The global Lifetimes tour - which has been the subject of mockery and memes online - went off without a hitch on Wednesday. At one stage, Perry knelt down at the front of the stage to thank a fan for 'waiting for five hours' to secure a spot at the front of the arena. Katy stunned in an array of outfits throughout the set, which revisits hits throughout her career. She donned a futuristic leotard and thigh high boots at one stage, before changing into a red look with silver boots. The I Kissed A Girl hitmaker has been out and about in Sydney since touching down this week. On Wednesday, she posted a video on Instagram showing her feeding a tiger at Sydney Zoo in the middle of the night. In the clip, the 40-year-old sported a brown shirt and matching brown hat as she balanced a piece of steak on her hand and pushed it against the chain-link fence. 'Oh my gosh I've never had a tiger lick my hand,' she said as she fed the large cat. 'Great way to beat jet lag,' she could be heard saying, before revealing she had just come off a 14-hour flight. The popstar is performing three shows in Sydney, bringing all of her iconic hits as well as some of her new tracks from her latest album 143, to Qudos Bank Arena on June 4, 9 and 10. Tickets to the pop icon's tour, which has received an onslaught of criticism over the last few months, have been in high demand, with the Roar hitmaker announcing two extra shows on the Australian run to accommodate all of her fans. Taking to Instagram in February, Katy revealed that she added an extra show at Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena on June 4 to kick off the Australian leg, as well as an extra Melbourne show at Rod Laver Arena on June 7. The Grammy-nominated superstar revealed that she had been humbled with the success of her Australian tour, with all previous dates now sold out. Captioning the announcement, Katy said: 'I am so blown away by the incredible demand for THE LIFETIMES TOUR that I will be adding a final show in Sydney and a final show in Melbourne to make sure all my Australian fans have a chance to experience the incredible show I am bringing.' Katy will now play a hefty 15 Australian shows. The pop star announced the Australian Lifetimes tour just prior to her turn at the AFL Grand Final in September. The I Kissed A Girl hitmaker posted a video on Instagram showing her feeding a tiger at Sydney Zoo in the middle of the night The original run included just one show each for Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, however fan demand dictated Katy needed to add two extra Sydney and Brisbane shows. Crestfallen Adelaide fans issued their sorrow over missing out on their chance to see Katy in the flesh but they were not left out in the cold for too long. Listening to fan protests, Katy eventually added a run of four shows in the City of Churches. 'I heard you loud and clear Adelaide, I got you!' Katy wrote on Instagram. Extra shows were also added to Melbourne and Perth as demand for the Teenage Dream hitmaker continued to rise.
