Officers are harnessing the power of AI to break down language barriers and get real-time assistance when they are on patrol. That includes officer Will Weaver, who often patrols the streets of Brooklyn Park solo.<\/p>\n
\u201cI just respond to calls as they come up,\u201d said Weaver. \u201cCould be a domestic, could be a traffic-related incident.\u201d<\/p>\n
But this past February, he got an assistant of sorts.<\/p>\n
The department rolled out new, advanced body cameras that don\u2019t just record video. They assist officers through artificial intelligence.<\/p>\n
![\"Brooklyn](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/body-camera-translatorsb-roll-bk-20260716-still-1.jpg\")
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Photo of Brooklyn Park police bodycams\/credit CCX Media<\/p>\n
A Translator and Help Desk All in One\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
For instance, the body cams feature real-time translation of more than 50 languages.<\/p>\n
This decreases problems that could arise due to miscommunication.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe fact that we have the clarity and transparency of communication, between us and residents makes it a lot easier,\u201d said Weaver.<\/p>\n
The cameras also provide information to officers in a moment\u2019s notice on specific Minnesota statutes as well as department policies and procedures.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf I have questions about pursuits or how to respond to a particular type of call, I can ask that question to the body cam and it will also provide that information, which is very convenient,\u201d explained Weaver.<\/p>\n
Not only have the AI cameras proven to be convenient, Weaver said they are also save time when it comes to written reports.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a lot of rewarding stuff when it comes to policing, but most police officers probably don\u2019t put report writing at the top of that list, so this saves us a lot of time and effort,\u201d said Weaver.<\/p>\n
Weaver explained that officers double-check the reports to maintain accuracy and provide edits when needed.<\/p>\n
By freeing up an officer\u2019s time, Weaver said they are able to respond to non-emergency calls quicker, building a case for AI use now and into the future.<\/p>\n
Local Limitations<\/p>\n
Brooklyn Park has had body cameras since 2015.<\/p>\n
While the cameras feature translation for more than 50 languages, Somali and Hmong, two prominent languages spoken in the local community, are currently not among them.<\/p>\n
Weaver said that\u2019s because there\u2019s a lack of readily available digital data in those languages.<\/p>\n
Also see: Brooklyn Park Police Report Shows Crime Drops To 37-Year Low<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n