Harnessing AI to Enhance Public Safety: HRPS First in Canada to Deploy Innovative 911 Training and Recruitment Technology

As a leader in policing innovation, the Halton Regional Police Service is proud to become the first police service in Canada to implement a groundbreaking artificial intelligence training platform designed specifically for 911 communicators.

This cutting-edge technology creates realistic and interactive emergency call simulations, helping call takers and dispatchers sharpen critical decision-making, communication and crisis management skills in a safe and immersive learning environment.

“Our police service continues to set the standard for innovation in public safety as the first police service in Canada to introduce an advanced AI training solution for 911 communicators,” said Superintendent Raf Skwarka, Commander of Support Services. “We are leveraging AI that is designed with safety, transparency and accountability at its core. The new tool represents another significant investment in modernizing public safety and ensuring our frontline communications professionals are equipped to provide exceptional service when every second counts.”

Reducing Candidate Evaluation Time By 50%, Helping Identify Top Talent Faster

GOVWORX uses trusted and secure technology that has been used by hundreds of police services outside of Canada. It is powered by secure, ethical and responsible AI that strengthens our readiness, eliminates routine manual screening and gives every 911 Communicator the clarity and support they need to make a greater impact.

This technology provides scenarios that will test the aptitude and skills for candidates during the recruitment process, ensuring they can successfully pass training once hired.

“With the high volume of applications we receive, it is essential that we identify the strongest candidates as efficiently and effectively as possible,” said Brian Dodd, Manager, Communications. “We will use this in our recruitment stage to reduce candidate evaluation time in half, improve successful 911 communicator sign off and make hiring more data driven. All while providing job-relevant assessments that measure the skills needed to succeed in this challenging frontline role.”

The platform also enhances quality assurance by providing immediate performance scoring and feedback to 911 Communicators, identifying strengths and areas of improvement in real time to build confidence, improve performance, and prepare for the evolving challenges for emergency response.

Another Tool in the Arsenal: Building on a legacy of Innovation

Exactly one year ago, the service launched SARA AI (Smart Answering Routing Assistant) designed to handle certain types of non-emergency phone calls. SARA has reduced 911 wait times by almost 2 seconds a call.

So far this year, SARA has answered 95,367 calls and spent 1,195 hours talking to residents. She has deflected more than 10,000 calls from communications and sent more than 2,470 text messages to people to report through alternate means like websites or the collision reporting centre.

First SARA AI and now GovWorx, these investments reflect the HRPS’ ongoing commitment to maximizing operational impact and public safety through the utilization of modern and innovative technology. 

Media Inquiries:
Halton Regional Police Service
Media Relations
Phone: 905-825-4899
Email: corpcomm@haltonpolice.ca