AI is already transforming public safety, but are agencies ready?

In recent years, artificial intelligence has emerged as a transformative force across various sectors, and public safety is no exception.

 

AI technologies are increasingly being integrated into the operations of emergency communications centres, law enforcement agencies, fire departments and emergency medical services to optimise emergency response and deal with the massive increase in digital data.

 

While AI’s potential benefits in enhancing public safety are immense, a crucial question remains: are agencies truly ready to embrace and effectively implement these advanced technologies?

 

The readiness of public safety agencies to embrace AI technologies varies significantly. Some agencies are leading the charge, investing in cutting-edge AI solutions and establishing partnerships with technology companies to develop tailored applications. These forward-thinking agencies are also focusing on training their personnel to work alongside AI systems, ensuring a seamless integration of technology into their operations.

 

However, many agencies face significant hurdles in adopting AI. Budget constraints, lack of technical expertise and resistance to change are common challenges that hinder the widespread adoption of AI in public safety.

To overcome these challenges, agencies need to prioritise strategic planning and collaboration.

 

Governments and policymakers should play a crucial role in facilitating the adoption of AI by providing funding and resources to support agencies in their transition. A World Economic Forum report recommends fostering partnerships between agencies and technology providers to help bridge the gap in technical expertise and drive innovation.

 

The benefits of AI

 

The capabilities of AI are particularly needed in emergency communications and real-time crime centres, where call-takers, dispatchers and crime analysts are drowning in incoming data.

 

Imagine a scenario where every emergency call, text, or alert – routine or critical – is seamlessly managed, prioritised and routed to the right people at the right time.

 

Not only that, but dispatchers and investigators empowered by assistive AI technology – AI that provides alerts and recommendations but leaves the decision-making to experienced professionals – get help connecting the dots between events, detecting anomalies and enabling informed decision-making.

 

Thanks to AI, field responders can arrive on the scene knowing exactly what they’re walking into: past incidents, potential hazards, nearby resources and real-time updates – all delivered in a clear, actionable format.

 

Command centres can be transformed to collaborative hubs. Using AI-enabled, cloud-based collaboration portals, leadership from multiple agencies and neighbouring jurisdictions can share a real-time view of every unfolding incident.

 

Advanced AI workflows transform fragmented data streams into actionable intelligence, enabling better co-ordination and faster response times. The impact on pre-planning and preparation can’t be understated. AI models can analyse historical and environmental data to support staffing plans, identify risks and help agencies allocate resources effectively.

 

For major events or high-risk scenarios, integrated tools provide detailed maps, dynamic risk assessments and collaborative planning across agencies and stakeholders, ensuring readiness for any challenge.

 

In a modern public safety ecosystem, AI continuously monitors operational systems, detects anomalies and proactively alerts personnel to emerging risks. Leadership gains instant insights through intuitive dashboards and natural language queries, while communities benefit from real-time transparency and updates.

 

The path forward

 

As public safety agencies stand at the crossroads of tradition and technology, the path forward is clear: embracing artificial intelligence is not merely an option, but a necessity. By integrating AI into their operations, agencies can meet the growing demands of a digital society, but many agencies are unsure where to start on their AI journey.

 

First, the agency should work with its employees to identify modernisation goals and pain points that AI can help them solve. Are overworked dispatchers missing connections that AI could help them make? Can it help triage and summarise multiple calls about the same event? Can it handle non-emergency calls and let human call takers and dispatchers focus on high-priority situations?

 

That collaborative feedback builds a solid framework for choosing a system suited to the agency’s needs and builds buy-in from the people who will be expected to operate it.

 

Once a system is chosen and in place, training programs must be developed to equip staff with the skills to effectively leverage AI technologies, ensuring that every team member is confident in their ability to harness these powerful tools.

 

Additionally, they must build a robust framework for the ethical use of AI. This includes establishing clear guidelines and regulations to protect citizens’ privacy and rights while ensuring accountability and transparency. This will help agencies build trust with the communities they serve as open dialogues about the benefits and limitations of AI will be crucial in fostering public confidence and ensuring ethical use.

 

Ultimately, the successful integration of AI into public safety will depend on the willingness of agencies to adapt and innovate. By embracing AI responsibly and strategically, public safety agencies can enhance their capabilities, improve community safety and build a safer future for all.

---

To learn more about Hexagon’s assistive AI technologies for public safety, visit hxgnpublicsafety.com

---

by Bill Campbell, Senior Vice President of Global Public Safety, Hexagon

 

Bill Campbell is senior vice president of global public safety for Hexagon’s Safety, Infrastructure & Geospatial division