SALT LAKE CITY — Those behind Salt Lake City’s 911 emergency system are considering using artificial intelligence to sort emergency calls.
The Salt Lake City 911 Communications Bureau said only 30% of it’s 650,000 yearly incoming calls are actual emergencies like life-threatening situations, fires, or crimes in progress. An AI-automated system would help sort emergency calls from non-emergency calls.
Population growth, the Olympics, and AI
Bureau Director Lisa Kehoe said AI automation in the 911 calling system could be extremely helpful in the future, noting Utah’s population growth and the increase in tourism before and after the 2034 Winter Olympic Games, which Utah will host.
“We understand that tourism is on the horizon,” Kehoe said. “Any method of reducing call volumes and keeping the lines open for 911 calls is a valuable option that we feel is important to pursue at this time.”…