Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) During Your Studies

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a valuable tool in many industries, including investigations. Used correctly, AI can assist with research, proofreading, improving grammar, and helping you better understand complex concepts. However, it is important to understand that AI is not a substitute for your own learning, critical thinking, professional judgement, or investigative skills.

As a professional investigator, you will be required to gather evidence, assess credibility, identify inconsistencies, conduct interviews, make sound decisions, and prepare accurate reports based on facts and your own observations. These are skills that can only be developed through study, practice, experience, and applying the principles taught throughout this course.

Investigations are rarely straightforward. Every matter is different, and successful investigators rely on their training, experience, intuition, and professional judgement to determine the most appropriate course of action. While AI may produce well-written answers, it cannot replace the reasoning process required of a competent investigator, nor can it accurately assess real-world investigative situations in the way a trained professional can.

Clients engage investigators because they expect independent professional expertise. They pay for an investigator’s knowledge, experience, analytical ability, and sound judgement - not simply for information generated by artificial intelligence. An investigator who relies heavily on AI without understanding the underlying principles will quickly lose credibility when dealing with clients, preparing reports, giving evidence, or making operational decisions.

For this reason, ASSI expects all written assessment submissions to reflect your own understanding of the course material. AI may be used appropriately as a supporting tool - for example, to assist with spelling, grammar, sentence structure, or to help explain concepts that you then write about in your own words. However, it must not be used to generate assignment answers that are submitted as your own work.

Assignments that appear to have been substantially generated by AI, or that do not demonstrate the student’s own knowledge and understanding, may be reviewed further. ASSI uses AI detection tools alongside academic review processes where appropriate. Where concerns arise, students may be asked to explain or demonstrate their understanding of the work they have submitted before it can be accepted for assessment.

Remember, the purpose of this course is not simply to obtain a qualification—it is to develop the knowledge, skills, judgement, and confidence required to work as a professional investigator. The effort you invest in completing your own work will directly influence your ability to perform competently in the field and provide the high standard of service that clients expect.

Adrian Francis, Principal ASSI, 1 July 2026.