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New Orleans will use AI to answer 911 calls instead of a human
(www.shreveporttimes.com)
This is a most excellent place for technology news and articles.
Everyone should read before reacting:
This makes sense. A big thing happens that you are aware of. Geolocated calls from that area flood in. An operator, who could be getting useful info, has to handle a flood of "Guess what I just saw!"
Note that I think they should spend the money on more operators instead, but at least this seems like it has good guardrails.
Except that could be done without AI. Just have a recording that says "we are aware of ... taking place near you, are you calling about this ? “, then answer with yes/no.
No need for bullshit AI.
You don't need AI for that. Automated phone answering systems do exist, and can redirect people.
How many operators to handle say 100 calls in 5 minutes? Now imagine the cost to staff a small 911 center to ensure your can handle those calls 24/7. The money doesn't exist.
Butts in seats don't exist right now either. As long as the fancy ivr allows the caller to reach a human with minimal effort, this seems like a scary sounding but neat assistant to a problem without a real solution.
Joe's Apartment, the 911 call center be like
I wish this were pinned at the top. It seems like almost nobody reads beyond the headline.