Key Takeaways:
- The Tampa Police Department has introduced new AI-powered tools to assist officers on the scene, including real-time language translation and live photo and video calling features.
- The technology is designed to help officers respond more effectively to emergency situations, reduce crime, and increase transparency.
- The department has launched three main tools: language translation through body-worn cameras, "Prepared 911" live photo and video calling, and AI-powered chat for policy and procedural information.
- The technology is funded through the department’s contract with Axon and Hillsborough County 911.
- The tools are designed to assist officers in communicating with non-English speakers, gathering information, and responding to emergency situations more effectively.
Introduction to AI-Powered Tools
The Tampa Police Department has rolled out several new AI-powered tools to help officers on the scene. According to Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw, time is of the essence in many emergency situations, and these tools will provide real-time assistance to officers when communicating with callers or subjects at a scene. The tools are designed to help reduce crime, increase transparency, and improve response times. The department has launched three main tools: language translation through body-worn cameras, "Prepared 911" live photo and video calling, and AI-powered chat for policy and procedural information.
Language Translation through Body-Worn Cameras
One of the new tools introduced by the department is real-time language translation through body-worn cameras. The technology can detect the language being spoken, translate it in seconds, and repeat it back to the officer in English. The camera can also translate phrases in English to dozens of languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, and Russian. Officer Jaclyn Douillard, who has used the technology, says it was a game-changer when she responded to a robbery call recently. The technology helped her get a description of the suspect and the vehicle, as well as the items in the victim’s purse. Prior to having this technology, officers would have to wait for backup from an officer who could translate, which would delay traffic stops and calls for service.
Prepared 911 Live Photo and Video Calling
The second tool launched by the department is "Prepared 911," a live photo and video calling feature for dispatchers to use with 911 callers. The feature allows dispatchers to see what’s happening at a scene in real-time, which can help them respond more effectively to emergency situations. When someone calls 911, a dispatcher can text them a link to start a video call, which the caller must grant access to start. The caller can then show dispatchers what’s going on at the scene, and dispatchers can ask questions and gather information. The feature is not used for every call, but it can be useful in situations where the caller is unable to verbally communicate or needs to show dispatchers what’s happening.
AI-Powered Chat for Policy and Procedural Information
The department has also launched AI-powered technology to allow officers to look up policy and procedural information in real-time. The technology, called Axon Assistant’s Policy Chat & Translation, allows officers to type in questions or scenarios and receive immediate responses. For example, an officer can type in "I’m on a domestic violence call, what are some things I need to know?" and receive a response with relevant information and procedures. The technology is designed to help officers respond more effectively to emergency situations and reduce the time spent searching for information.
Implementation and Funding
The funding for the AI body camera technology was included in the department’s most recent contract with Axon, the company that provides the technology. The Prepared 911 program is funded through Hillsborough County 911. The department has conducted trial periods with the new technology and has officially rolled it out for officers and dispatchers to use. According to Chief Bercaw, the department saw a historic year in crime reduction, with homicides, violent crime, and property crime down significantly. The new technology is expected to help the department continue to reduce crime and improve response times.
Conclusion
The Tampa Police Department’s introduction of AI-powered tools is a significant step forward in improving response times and reducing crime. The technology is designed to assist officers in communicating with non-English speakers, gathering information, and responding to emergency situations more effectively. With the ability to translate languages in real-time, conduct live photo and video calls, and access policy and procedural information quickly, officers will be better equipped to handle emergency situations and keep the community safe. The department’s commitment to innovation and technology is expected to have a positive impact on public safety and community trust.