APD embraces AI

This month, the city has launched a new artificial-intelligence-powered assistant that is intended to help Austinites file reports more quickly and help alleviate the current backlog of non-emergency requests. The system is the result of a partnership between the Austin Police Department and Versaterm Public Safety’s Case Service and can be used for non-emergency online reporting (in multiple languages) via IReportAustin.com. According to a press release from the city:

To file a report online, the following guidelines must be met:
•    No immediate danger to people or property
•    The suspect is no longer on scene
•    The reporting party must be 17 years old or older and have a valid email address

The online system accepts the following report types:
•    Assault (minor or no injury, excluding domestic violence)
•    Threats (excluding domestic violence)
•    Burglary that does not involve fire/arson
•    Theft (excluding prescriptions, firearms, explosives, vehicle license plates, and motor vehicles of any kind)
•    Lost or missing property (excluding narcotic prescription medication, vehicle license plates, and firearms)
•    Damaged property or graffiti
•    Fraud
•    Harassment
•    Counterfeiting or forgery
•    Identity theft
•    Illegal use of a credit or debit card
•    Minor, non-criminal child custody issues for documentation only
•    Trespassing (suspect no longer on scene)
•    Shoplifting reports