Halton police embrace AI in hiring, training 911 call takers

The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) in Canada is pioneering the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in two significant areas: the hiring process for 911 dispatchers and the training of these operators. This innovative approach marks the first instance of its kind in the country, with the technology provider being GovWorx from the United States.

Brian Dodd, the communications bureau manager for Halton police, highlighted the first step in their AI-integrated hiring procedure. "We're using an AI tool to conduct an aptitude test on the 1,400 applicants who applied for a recent 911 communicator position," he explained to CityNews. This AI-assisted screening helps HRPS narrow down the most suitable candidates for the role.

When it comes to training, the AI technology can simulate a wide range of realistic call scenarios. "The AI can recreate various situations, including background noises like fire alarms or explosions," Dodd said. This feature helps trainees hone their skills in a controlled environment, simulating real-life conditions before they handle actual emergency calls.

In addition to AI hiring and training tools, Halton police already utilize another AI system called SARA AI. This program manages non-emergency calls, ensuring they don't interfere with real emergency communications. Dodd elaborated, "SARA handles those mundane, non-emergency calls, freeing up our communicators to focus on real emergencies. She deals with them in the background, providing additional information, sending online reporting links, and transferring calls to other police services when necessary."

By using AI to handle these non-emergency calls, HRPS ensures that its 911 communication center can respond more swiftly and effectively to genuine emergency situations. Dodd emphasized, "The benefit is that our communicators can answer 911 calls quicker, as SARA takes care of the routine non-emergency calls, allowing them to prioritize real emergencies."