In recent times, the rise in active shooter situations has posed new challenges for real-time crime centers and emergency communications centers. A prime example unfolded in Midtown Atlanta in May of 2023, where over 1,800 calls inundated the system within minutes during an active shooter incident. This overwhelming influx of calls not only strains the system but also burdens call takers and dispatchers faced with an unexpected deluge.
In response to this critical scenario, personnel at the real-time crime center, along with field police, managed the situation using citizen surveillance videos, license plate readers, and artificial intelligence. These technologies played a crucial role in tracking and arresting the suspect, ultimately preventing further harm.
The incident in Atlanta serves as a stark reminder for public safety organizations looking to modernize their systems. These organizations need to evaluate how their existing legacy systems would cope with a sudden surge in calls, especially during high-stress situations.
Public safety agencies excel in handling routine operations but face challenges when dealing with rapidly escalating situations. Innovative technologies that incorporate inherent intelligence can be a game-changer in such cases.
To effectively manage hundreds or thousands of simultaneous calls, real-time crime centers and emergency communication centers can benefit from two crucial elements: the flexibility and scalability of cloud-based dispatch and collaboration systems, and assistive artificial intelligence to streamline call processing, surveillance data analysis, and sensor pattern recognition.
In contrast to on-site server-based systems, cloud-based solutions offer scalability and cost-efficiency. With cloud technology, agencies pay for extra capacity only when required, eliminating the need to invest upfront in excessive server capacity. During spikes in activity, the cloud system automatically adjusts its server capacity to ensure uninterrupted operations, preventing system shutdowns that could impede first responders’ efficiency during emergencies.
Cloud-based collaboration portals enable the seamless integration of partner agencies across different regions, enhancing overall coordination. This includes sharing a common operating picture with maps, alerts, and video feeds, all accessible through a simple email link.
Assistive AI plays a vital role in managing the sheer volume of incoming calls by quickly identifying related and actionable information for emergency response. AI’s capabilities to listen to calls and establish connections faster than human operators generate alerts that expedite law enforcement responses and relieve dispatchers and crime analysts.
Moreover, AI can monitor sensors, IoT devices, and data from neighboring regions, aiding in constructing a comprehensive suspect profile, including descriptions, getaway methods, and travel directions. It can even determine whether multiple scenes require securing, enhancing situational awareness.
In summary, McCarthy Byrnes consultants can offer valuable assistance to organizations in the context of modernizing their emergency response systems. The adoption of cloud-based solutions enriched with assistive AI becomes imperative, as it provides the necessary robustness to withstand unforeseen spikes in call volume. Without embracing these technological innovations, organizations relying on dedicated servers and human resources may find themselves at risk of overload, potentially resulting in system failures that could have dire repercussions for the community. During critical moments, the pivotal factors for public safety organizations are adaptability, effectiveness, and cutting-edge solutions, all of which contribute to preserving lives and upholding security.
