AI Assistant ‘Ava’ Now Answers Akron Police Non-Emergency Calls
In a significant step toward modernizing public safety communications, the Akron Police Department has introduced an artificial intelligence system named Ava to manage non-emergency calls. The department announced that this new virtual assistant aims to streamline operations and free up human dispatchers to focus on urgent situations.
While 911 emergency calls will still be answered by live dispatchers, non-emergency callers will initially interact with Ava. The AI system collects pertinent information and forwards it to officers for further action. If Ava determines the call is urgent or if it cannot adequately assist the caller, the system will seamlessly transfer the call to a human dispatcher.
Improving Dispatcher Efficiency
Akron Police Chief Brian Harding emphasized the importance of the new technology in a recent statement. “By leveraging AI, we’re allowing our human dispatchers to concentrate on emergency situations where every second counts,” he said. “Ava ensures that non-emergency calls are still handled efficiently and with care.”
Dispatchers will also review the data Ava gathers to verify accuracy and ensure that responding officers have all the necessary information. This step is crucial in maintaining service quality and accountability in the transition to AI-assisted communication.
How Ava Works
Developed by Aurelian, a Seattle-based tech company, Ava is designed to streamline non-emergency communication with law enforcement. According to Aurelian’s website, the AI system not only routes calls appropriately but also follows up with callers to confirm their concerns were addressed.
When a person dials the Akron Police Department’s non-emergency line at 330-375-2181, they are greeted by Ava, who prompts them to describe their issue. Based on the responses, Ava categorizes the call and sends a summary to the appropriate department for follow-up.
Positive Early Results
Akron police began testing the AI assistant during the previous summer. The trial period provided valuable insights and demonstrated Ava’s effectiveness in improving call response times and reducing the burden on emergency dispatchers. Following a successful pilot, the department decided to implement the system more broadly.
In addition, the Summit Emergency Communications Center — which serves Akron and surrounding areas — has also adopted Ava. Officials there echo the Akron Police Department’s sentiment, reporting that the AI tool has been a successful addition to their call-handling operations.
National Trend in AI Adoption
Akron’s move to integrate AI in public safety communications reflects a growing national trend. Police departments across the country are exploring how artificial intelligence can assist with administrative tasks, optimize resource allocation, and improve community responsiveness.
By adopting AI, departments aim to better manage increasing call volumes and limited staffing without compromising service quality. Ava is part of this broader shift toward technology-driven solutions in public service.
Public Reception and Next Steps
Initial public reactions have been mixed, with some residents expressing concern about losing the human touch in police interactions. However, city officials are confident that Ava will enhance—not replace—the human element by allowing staff to focus on higher-priority needs.
The department plans to monitor Ava’s performance closely and make adjustments based on community feedback. “This is just the beginning,” said Chief Harding. “We’re committed to ensuring this technology serves Akron residents effectively and responsibly.”
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