The Halton Regional Police Service has become the first police service in Canada to deploy an artificial intelligence training platform built for 911 communicators, according to a Halton Regional Police Service news release.
The platform, called GOVWORX, generates realistic emergency call simulations that let call takers and dispatchers practise decision-making, communication and crisis management in an immersive learning environment.
Faster hiring, better screening
The service says the technology, already used by hundreds of police services outside Canada, will also be used at the recruitment stage. It presents candidates with scenarios that test the aptitude and skills required before they are hired, ensuring they can pass training once on the job.
The release says the tool will reduce candidate evaluation time by 50 per cent, helping the service identify strong applicants faster from a high volume of applications.
With the high volume of applications we receive, it is essential that we identify the strongest candidates as efficiently and effectively as possible,
said Brian Dodd, Manager of Communications, in the release. He said the platform will improve successful 911 communicator sign-off and make hiring more data driven, while providing job-relevant assessments for a demanding frontline role.
The system also provides immediate performance scoring and feedback to communicators on the job, pinpointing strengths and areas for improvement in real time.
A second AI investment
The rollout builds on an earlier AI initiative. One year ago, the service launched SARA AI, the Smart Answering Routing Assistant, which handles certain types of non-emergency phone calls and has reduced 911 wait times by nearly two seconds per call.
So far this year, SARA has answered 95,367 calls and logged 1,195 hours of conversation with residents, according to the release. The assistant has deflected more than 10,000 calls away from the communications centre and sent more than 2,470 text messages directing people to alternate reporting options, such as websites or the collision reporting centre.
Our police service continues to set the standard for innovation in public safety as the first police service in Canada to introduce an advanced AI training solution for 911 communicators,
Superintendent Raf Skwarka, Commander of Support Services, said in the release. He described the tool as a significant investment in modernizing public safety and ensuring communications staff can deliver when every second counts.
The service says the two platforms together reflect its commitment to using modern technology to strengthen operational readiness and public safety across the region, which includes Oakville, Burlington, Milton and Halton Hills.
