APCO and iCERT Come Together to Promote AI in Emergency Response

Today at the APCO AI Summit, APCO International announced a new partnership with the Industry Council for Emergency Response Technologies (iCERT) to launch a new program to promote the responsible implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in emergency response and public safety communications systems. The collaboration will bring together APCO’s membership and iCERT’s technology partners to drive innovation, address challenges and strengthen the systems that protect our communities every day. 

APCO and iCERT came together for this initiative due to the collective concern that the known risks and challenges associated with AI technology may inhibit its broad adoption by the public safety community. It seeks to proactively address these concerns by working collaboratively with each organization’s membership and other public safety professionals representing 9-1-1, police, fire and EMS to establish guidelines for AI implementation.

The program will aim to achieve the following objectives:

• Promote a broader understanding of AI technology.
• Identify and address the risks and challenges associated with using AI in conjunction with emergency response systems.
• Provide guidance on other implementation issues, such as funding and development of an AI Readiness Roadmap for emergency communications centers.
• Provide guidance on legal and regulatory requirements.

“AI is here, and it’s not going anywhere. It holds the promise to advance public safety communications, increase efficiencies and help our public safety telecommunicators refocus on their lifesaving work serving communities,” said Mel Maier, CEO and executive director for APCO International. “Through this partnership with iCERT we will unite the full spectrum of public safety — from telecommunicators in our emergency communications centers to field responders, along with national public safety partners and industry leaders. Together, we will ensure AI technologies are designed and deployed with end-users in mind. By doing so, we can build public confidence, accelerate adoption and better protect the communities we all serve.”

“Artificial intelligence represents a revolution for public safety, and iCERT is committed to ensuring the industry is ready,” said iCERT Interim Executive Director Don Brittingham. “By working hand-in-hand with emergency communications professionals, iCERT seeks to ensure AI is implemented responsibly.”