Bowling Green Police Department add A.I. dispatcher to non-emergency line

BOWLING GREEN, Ky – The Bowling Green Police Department has implemented a new dispatch system designed to help manage non-emergency calls.

BGPD has begun using artificial intelligence to answer certain non-emergency calls coming into the department.

Public Information Officer, Ronnie Ward, said the AI dispatcher can determine whether a call is an emergency that needs immediate attention from an officer or a non-emergency request that can be handled in a timely manner.

Ward said the system is meant to help dispatchers manage multiple calls more efficiently.

“A lot of times they’re already on the phone with an emergency call, and another person may have to wait or be placed on hold,” Ward said. “We want to make sure everyone receives the service they deserve and what they need.”

Ward also emphasized that calls to 911 are still answered by real people.

“The big thing folks need to understand is that if you’re calling 911, you’re getting a person,” Ward said. “This system does not answer 911 calls or lines. Humans answer those, and they’re handled as quickly and efficiently as possible.”