Calgary Police Service officers are installing AI-powered real-time translation features on their body-worn cameras to communicate with non-English speaking residents [1].
The technology aims to improve public safety interactions by breaking down immediate language barriers during field encounters. While the tool facilitates basic communication, it is not a substitute for certified human interpreters and will not be used for formal witness statements or evidence collection [1], [2].
The system supports more than 60 languages [2]. This capability allows officers to engage with a broader range of the community in real time, reducing the reliance on phone-based translation for simple requests or directions.
Implementing the translation feature will cost several hundred thousand dollars over a five-year contract period [3]. The rollout of the capability was scheduled to begin in March 2024 [2].
Officials said the tool is designed for immediate operational needs rather than legal documentation. By integrating the software directly into the cameras, the service seeks to streamline how officers interact with diverse populations in Calgary, Alberta [1], [2].
“The tool is not a substitute for certified human interpreters.”
The adoption of AI translation in policing represents a shift toward immediate, tech-driven accessibility in emergency services. However, the explicit carve-out for formal evidence and witness statements indicates a cautious approach to the known inaccuracies of AI translation, ensuring that legal due process still relies on human certification.
