Key Takeaways
- The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office is introducing a new technology called Axon Assistant to improve communication with residents who do not speak English.
- Axon Assistant is a tool integrated into body-worn cameras that can translate conversations in real-time into more than 50 languages.
- The technology aims to enhance officer awareness and efficiency, allowing deputies to communicate more effectively during calls for service without relying on phone-based translation services or other officers.
- The cost of the software will be covered for five years through a state grant.
- Axon Assistant can provide critical information, including general reference information, department policy guidance, and live language translation, without requiring officers to look away from unfolding situations.
Introduction to Axon Assistant
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office is taking a significant step towards improving communication with residents who do not speak English. The office is equipping deputies with Axon Assistant, a cutting-edge tool integrated into body-worn cameras that can translate conversations in real-time into more than 50 languages. This technology is designed to enhance officer awareness and efficiency, allowing deputies to communicate more effectively during calls for service without relying on phone-based translation services or other officers. The introduction of Axon Assistant is a significant development in the county’s efforts to bridge the language gap and provide better services to its diverse community.
How Axon Assistant Works
Axon Assistant is an artificial intelligence tool that integrates directly into the Axon Body 4 body-worn camera. The system allows officers to ask questions verbally in the field and receive real-time responses through the camera, including general reference information, department policy guidance, and live language translation. When translation is activated, the body camera records audio and video, which are uploaded to Axon Evidence and can be automatically transcribed. Certified human translators can review transcripts for accuracy, helping ensure transparency and maintain a secure chain of custody. This technology provides critical information without requiring officers to look away from unfolding situations, ensuring that they can remain focused on the situation at hand.
Benefits of Axon Assistant
The introduction of Axon Assistant is expected to have a significant impact on the way the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office interacts with residents who do not speak English. The technology will allow deputies to communicate more effectively during calls for service, reducing the risk of miscommunication and improving response times. The tool is especially useful in a diverse community where deputies frequently encounter language barriers. By providing real-time translation, Axon Assistant will help deputies to better understand the needs of residents and provide more effective assistance. The technology will also help to reduce the reliance on phone-based translation services or other officers, freeing up resources and improving the overall efficiency of the sheriff’s office.
Cost and Funding
The cost of the Axon Assistant software will be covered for five years through a state grant, according to the Sheriff’s Office. This funding will enable the sheriff’s office to implement the technology without incurring significant upfront costs. The grant will also provide an opportunity for the sheriff’s office to evaluate the effectiveness of the technology and make any necessary adjustments before deciding on long-term funding. The introduction of Axon Assistant is a significant investment in the community, and the funding provided by the state grant will help to ensure that the technology is implemented effectively and efficiently.
Conclusion
The introduction of Axon Assistant is a significant development in the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office’s efforts to improve communication with residents who do not speak English. The technology has the potential to enhance officer awareness and efficiency, allowing deputies to communicate more effectively during calls for service. With the ability to translate conversations in real-time into more than 50 languages, Axon Assistant is an invaluable tool for law enforcement agencies serving diverse communities. As the sheriff’s office continues to implement and evaluate the technology, it is likely that other law enforcement agencies will take notice and consider introducing similar technologies to improve their own communication with non-English speaking residents.
