Real Time Crime Center expands use of AI to improve response times
The Fairfax County Police Department’s Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) has implemented new artificial intelligence technology that enhances emergency response by identifying critical information from 911 calls in real time.
This initiative is being carried out in partnership with the Department of Public Safety Communications and the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, the Police Department announced.
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Fire Department personnel have also been assigned to the RTCC as part of a long-term pilot program, further strengthening collaboration between police, fire, and emergency communications.
The AI technology continuously transcribes 911 calls as they occur and is trained using Fairfax County’s dispatch protocols and response procedures. This allows the system to recognize qualifying incidents and immediately notify RTCC personnel, enabling the deployment of a drone as a first responder while dispatchers continue gathering information.
“The Real Time Crime Center continues to transform how we respond to emergencies by putting innovative technology to work in support of our officers, firefighters, and dispatchers,” said Police Chief Kevin Davis. “Using AI to identify critical information from 911 calls in real time allows us to deploy resources faster, improve situational awareness, and provide responders with the information they need to make better decisions.”
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By launching drones earlier in the response, officers and firefighters can receive real-time aerial intelligence before arriving on scene, improving situational awareness and supporting faster, more informed decision-making. When appropriate, the technology also allows callers to voluntarily share live videos, photographs, or their location through a secure link, providing additional information to emergency responders.
“The RTCC expansion is innovation in action,” said Fire Chief John Butler. “By working alongside our police and communications partners, FCFRD can get more accurate information, leading to the faster dispatch of needed resources and allowing our crews to arrive on scene with a clearer picture of what’s waiting for them.”
The technology, which includes Axon’s Prepared platform, is designed to assist, not replace, 911 professionals. Dispatchers remain responsible for evaluating information and making dispatch decisions.