We will delve into emerging technologies, potential advancements, and visionary strategies that promise to revolutionize crisis response and community safety.

Highlights: A panel of ECC leaders who have successfully implemented AI into their ECCs shared how AI is helping solve persistent challenges, improve operational efficiency and enhance service during emergencies. A major takeaway from this session was the importance of communication and feedback throughout the implementation process. The panel agreed that leadership should clearly communicate what AI tools are being deployed and why, while maintaining an open dialogue with both public safety telecommunicators and vendors.

Highlights: APCO Senior Technology Strategist Megan Bixler introduced core concepts, current capabilities and common misconceptions of AI. Bixler also provided a distinction between the different types of AI. She clarified the distinction between generative AI and artificial general intelligence (AGI), emphasizing that humans must remain in the decision-making loop in emergency communications.

Highlights: A panel of ECC leaders and a technology partner explored real-world applications of AI — including simulation platforms, adaptive learning modules and performance analytics. Panelists described how these innovations had improved PST readiness, streamlined the training process and supported timely QA/QI, while maintaining a human-centered approach. They stressed that while AI enhances efficiency and effectiveness, successful adoption requires careful assessment, ongoing feedback and a commitment to preserving the human element.

Highlights: APCO Senior Technology Strategist Megan Bixler and SecuLore CTO Sean Scott discussed how AI is reshaping the cybersecurity landscape, highlighting both its opportunities and risks. Bixler and Scott emphasized that AI has lowered the barrier for cyberattacks, enabling even inexperienced actors to launch sophisticated threats, while also improving defenses through real-time detection and automated response. They shared that continuous monitoring and combining AI with human expertise are essential for effective cyber defense.

Highlights: During this session APCO announced a new partnership with the Industry Council for Emergency Response Technologies (iCERT) to launch a program to promote the responsible implementation of artificial intelligence 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. Visit our website to learn how you can contribute your expertise to this initiative.

Highlights: This session delved into the ethical implications of using AI in emergency scenarios, including privacy concerns, bias and decision-making transparency.

Highlights: This panel shared real-world examples of AI supporting public safety telecommunicators in call triage, resource allocation and situational awareness. Panelists agreed that AI should complement, not replace, human decision-making, and that building trust and implementing safeguards are essential for successful adoption.

Highlights: Panelists highlighted how AI can distribute workloads and provide predictive stress management, ultimately supporting telecommunicator wellness. The panel stressed that ECC leaders should implement AI in ways that benefit their staff and balance stress.

Highlights: APCO staff announced the development of a new AI standard, “Best Practices for Artificial Intelligence Integration into the Emergency Communications Center.” This standard will offer guidance for ECCs implementing AI, and a call for participation is open through October 31. Visit our website to join the working group.

Highlights: This panel examined the realities of integrating AI into ECC operations. Key takeaways included the importance of transparent communication, inclusive training to address misconceptions and resistance, and clearly identifying the problem to be solved before implementing AI to ensure it is the right tool.

Highlights: This panel featured commercial partners supporting ECCs that have successfully implemented AI. Panelists shared insights into emerging technologies and how they can improve the telecommunicator experience. All agreed that the rapid pace of AI advancement is transformational for the 9-1-1 community and will prepare ECCs for tomorrow’s challenges.