Fairfax County Launches AI System To Speed 911 Response, Drone Deployments

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Fairfax County has launched an artificial intelligence system that analyzes 911 calls in real time to help police, firefighters and dispatchers respond to emergencies more quickly.

The Fairfax County Police Department announced the technology on Wednesday, saying it is being used by the county's Real Time Crime Center in partnership with the Department of Public Safety Communications and the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department.

The AI platform continuously transcribes 911 calls and identifies critical information as dispatchers speak with callers. When the system recognizes qualifying incidents, it can immediately alert Real Time Crime Center personnel, allowing a drone to be deployed as a first responder as dispatchers continue to collect information and coordinate the emergency response.

Officials said the earlier drone deployment gives first responders live aerial video before they arrive, improving situational awareness and helping officers and firefighters make more informed decisions.

The system also allows 911 callers, when appropriate, to voluntarily share live video, photos or their location through a secure link to provide responders with additional information.

The announcement also marks the permanent assignment of Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department personnel to the Real Time Crime Center as part of a long-term pilot program intended to strengthen coordination among police, fire and emergency communications.

Police Chief Kevin Davis said the technology is designed to get critical information to first responders more quickly.

"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," Davis said.

Officials said the technology includes Axon's Prepared platform and is designed to support, not replace, emergency dispatchers. Dispatch personnel remain responsible for evaluating information and making dispatch decisions, while the AI serves as an additional tool to enhance emergency response.