Anoka County using artificial intelligence to screen non-emergency calls
Anoka County using artificial intelligence to screen non-emergency calls
Publish Date: 2026-05-02 13:21:00
Source Domain: kstp.com
- Anoka County 911 call-taker Samantha Gust handles up to 150 calls during her 12-hour shift, many of which are non-emergencies.
- To address the issue, the county is testing a $60,000 AI program to screen non-emergency calls.
- The aim is to ensure 911 call-takers can focus on urgent, life-threatening emergencies more efficiently.
- Currently, AI screens 733 non-emergency calls daily for quicker response to 911 calls.
- A recent public demonstration showed AI handling test calls, though the system didn’t complete the call during testing.
- An AI system will provide context to human call-takers for transferred emergency calls.
- The county plans to have the system live by mid-May. Call-takers are enthusiastic, looking forward to reducing pressure and maintaining focus on emergency calls.
