Akron Police are using artificial intelligence (AI) to help them manage non-emergency calls.

Callers will now be assisted by “Ava”, an AI-powered virtual assistant developed by Aurelian.

Ava helps route callers to the appropriate destination and gathers key information for dispatchers to relay to officers. All information collected by Ava is reviewed by trained dispatchers to ensure that complete and accurate information is being sent to responding officers. If the system identifies that a call needs immediate help, or if Ava cannot adequately assist; the call is automatically transferred to a live call taker.

Police say this added layer of support allows dispatchers to focus more attention on urgent 9-1-1 calls, while ensuring residents continue to receive timely assistance for their non-emergency needs.

The system has already been tested by the Summit Emergency Communications Center (SECC), which serves neighboring communities like Boston Heights, Copley, Coventry, Cuyahoga Falls, Fairlawn, Mogadore, Monroe Falls, Silver Lake, Stow, and Tallmadge, and will not be used for 9-1-1 Emergency calls.