Dallas City Council approved a historic upgrade for the Dallas Police Department, allocating more than $120 million for drones and tools powered by artificial intelligence.
Revolutionizing Police Communication
The most striking feature of the new equipment is the ability of body‑worn cameras to translate spoken languages in real time. Assistant Chief Richard Foy explained the system’s operation: “You’ll push a button, and it’ll tell you what the person told you. You can talk back, and it’ll translate back for them.” Foy also noted that the real‑time translation technology will be essential for communicating with international fans during the FIFA World Cup.
AI‑Powered Reporting
In addition to translation, the upgraded cameras will soon help officers develop police reports using AI. Foy said officers currently spend about 25% of their shifts writing reports at police stations. “It’s going to be hundreds of thousands of man‑hours when it’s implemented and gone live,” he added, highlighting the potential time savings.
Drones as First Responders
For the first time, Dallas Police will deploy drones as first responders. The drones will be dispatched to certain calls to verify caller information and improve officer safety. Foy emphasized the advantage of having real‑time visual data: “It’s also going to give real‑time eyes on a situation that officers will know what’s going on, especially in a critical incident, before they arrive, so they’re not having to evaluate as soon as they get on scene.”
Expanding Officer Safety Plan
The upgrade will increase the number of Officer Safety Plan licenses from 3,500 to 4,000, ensuring that every new hire is equipped with the latest technology. “Everybody that we hire also has to be equipped with the latest technology, and it’s going to be better for the city and better for the citizens,” Foy said.
Implementation Timeline
The new technology is expected to roll out in the coming months, marking a significant step forward for the largest police department in North Texas.
Key Takeaways
- Dallas City Council approved a $120M investment in AI and drone technology for the police department.
- Body‑worn cameras will provide real‑time language translation and AI‑generated reports.
- Drones will serve as first responders, offering real‑time situational awareness.
Dallas Police’s investment underscores a commitment to leveraging technology to enhance officer safety, improve communication, and increase operational efficiency across the department.
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