Key Takeaways:
- Wisconsin counties are adopting artificial intelligence (AI) technology for their 911 dispatch centers to handle non-emergency calls
- Major counties such as Waukesha, La Crosse, and Outagamie are implementing AI systems to free up human operators for more critical emergency situations
- The AI technology uses virtual operators, such as Ava, to handle calls like reports of dead animals on roadways
- The trend reflects a growing movement in the dispatch industry to use AI for handling non-emergency calls
Introduction to AI in 911 Dispatch Centers
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology is becoming increasingly prevalent in 911 dispatch centers across Wisconsin. As reported by WBAY, several major counties in the state are adopting AI systems to handle non-emergency calls, allowing human operators to focus on more critical emergency situations. This trend is not unique to Wisconsin, as the dispatch industry as a whole is moving towards leveraging AI to improve response times and efficiency. According to the article, "The trend reflects a growing movement in the dispatch industry to use AI for handling non-emergency calls, allowing human operators to focus on more critical emergency situations."
Implementation of AI Technology in Wisconsin Counties
Waukesha County, which ranks third in the state by population, began using AI technology for non-emergency calls last month. The system, which uses an AI operator named Ava, can handle calls such as reports of dead animals on roadways. La Crosse County, on the other hand, started using the technology in May, making it one of the earlier adopters in the state. As stated in the article, "La Crosse County started using the technology in May, making it one of the earlier adopters in the state." Outagamie County, the state’s sixth-largest county by population, also began using AI technology last month, although it is currently only using a few features for non-emergency calls while the AI program runs in the background, learning about the county’s geography and the types of calls that come to the dispatch center.
Benefits of AI in 911 Dispatch Centers
The implementation of AI technology in 911 dispatch centers has several benefits. For one, it allows human operators to focus on more critical emergency situations, such as life-threatening emergencies. As quoted in the article, "The counties implementing AI represent some of Wisconsin’s largest by population." This suggests that the use of AI technology is not limited to smaller counties, but is being adopted by larger counties as well. Additionally, AI technology can help reduce response times and improve efficiency, as it can quickly and accurately handle non-emergency calls. This can help reduce the workload of human operators, allowing them to focus on more critical tasks.
The Future of AI in 911 Dispatch Centers
The use of AI technology in 911 dispatch centers is likely to continue to grow in the coming years. As the technology improves and becomes more widely available, it is likely that more counties will adopt AI systems to handle non-emergency calls. As noted in the article, "Outagamie County… is currently using only a few features for non-emergency calls while the AI program runs in the background, learning about the county’s geography and the types of calls that come to the dispatch center." This suggests that counties are taking a gradual approach to implementing AI technology, starting with non-emergency calls and gradually expanding to more critical tasks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the use of artificial intelligence technology in 911 dispatch centers is becoming increasingly prevalent in Wisconsin. Major counties such as Waukesha, La Crosse, and Outagamie are implementing AI systems to handle non-emergency calls, allowing human operators to focus on more critical emergency situations. As the technology continues to improve and become more widely available, it is likely that more counties will adopt AI systems, leading to improved response times and efficiency in 911 dispatch centers. As the article notes, "The trend reflects a growing movement in the dispatch industry to use AI for handling non-emergency calls, allowing human operators to focus on more critical emergency situations."
https://www.wbay.com/2026/01/06/wisconsin-counties-turn-artificial-intelligence-911-dispatch-centers/