Palantir isn’t the only technology available for these challenges. Like Hoover or Xerox, it has become the brand many people automatically associate with advanced data analytics and intelligence solutions, even when other capable options exist.

I would suggest that the Met Police CTO (and similar leaders) focus on identifying products that best meet their specific operational needs, rather than defaulting to the position that Palantir is the answer regardless of the question.
A more open evaluation of alternatives could deliver better value, faster deployment, stronger sovereignty, or improved compliance fit. Here are three other established solutions that can process both structured and unstructured data, support information exploitation, link analysis, intelligence dissemination, and align with relevant UK regulatory frameworks such as the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (IPA 2016, often referenced in this context):”
Three alternative software solutions (I have no connections with any of these)
1. DataWalk
An enterprise intelligence analysis platform designed as a strong alternative to Palantir Gotham for law enforcement and investigations. It integrates and fuses large volumes of structured and unstructured data from disparate sources into a single repository, enabling link analysis, geospatial mapping, text analytics, entity resolution, and streamlined investigations. It emphasizes strong security, granular access controls, compliance features, and cost-effectiveness compared to some larger platforms.

2. Siren
An open, collaborative investigative intelligence platform built for national security, law enforcement, and complex data investigations. It handles massive datasets with advanced search, link analysis, and visualization capabilities, providing similar investigative power to Palantir while offering greater flexibility, transparency, and control over data sovereignty. It supports integration of diverse data sources and is positioned as a scalable alternative for high-stakes environments. 
3. NEXYTE (by Cognyte)
A decision intelligence and big data analytics platform tailored for law enforcement. It fuses siloed structured and unstructured data sources into a unified workspace, leverages AI for automated insights, lead scoring, and pattern detection, and accelerates analysis for investigations and operations. It focuses on real-time collaboration, security, and turning raw data into actionable intelligence while supporting compliance needs in public safety contexts. 
Other notable options include IBM i2 Analyst Notebook (strong in link analysis and intelligence workflows) and SAS solutions for law enforcement analytics, which excel at handling unstructured text and turning it into structured intelligence.
Stop being lazy and look for alternatives