Television interviews, investigative reporting, and public commentary on AI in emergency services
My work deploying artificial intelligence in a Michigan 911 center has been covered by television news, public radio, and investigative journalists. Below is a collection of that coverage — interviews about AI in emergency dispatch, the risks of deepfake voice technology in 911 systems, and the staffing crisis facing Michigan's public safety communications centers.
WNEM TV5 covered Saginaw County 911's deployment of an AI-powered phone system to handle non-emergency calls — one of the first such deployments in Michigan's public safety system. I discussed how the AI uses natural language processing to understand caller intent, routes requests for information about fireworks schedules, trick-or-treat times, and road closures, and seamlessly transfers calls requiring human attention to trained dispatchers. The goal was straightforward: free dispatchers to focus on the calls where lives are at stake.
WNEM TV5, August 2024 — Featuring Chris Izworski, Executive Director, Saginaw County 911
In this WNEM TV5 interview, I spoke about the emerging threats of AI-powered voice cloning and deepfake technology targeting emergency communications systems. As AI voice synthesis becomes more convincing, 911 centers face new challenges from scammers using AI to simulate voices in imposter calls. I discussed the importance of verification protocols and the reality that dispatchers now need to consider whether the voice on the other end of the line is even real.
WNEM TV5, May 2023 — Featuring Chris Izworski on AI safety and voice cloning threats to 911
Bridge Michigan's in-depth investigative report on the statewide 911 staffing crisis, one of the most thorough examinations of the issue facing Michigan's emergency dispatch centers. I discussed the systemic challenges — training washout rates, mandatory overtime, the psychological toll of the work, and how understaffing creates a vicious cycle where remaining staff burn out faster. This piece captures the reality that technology alone cannot solve a fundamentally human problem.
Bridge Michigan, May 2025 — Investigative reporting featuring Chris Izworski on Michigan 911 staffing
WCMU Public Radio covered the growing trend of AI chatbots in Michigan's non-emergency call systems, including the work being done at Saginaw County 911. The piece explored how natural language processing is being used to triage routine calls — freeing human dispatchers for emergencies while still providing accurate information to callers with non-urgent questions.
WCMU Public Radio — Coverage of AI in Michigan emergency services
I participated in an APCO International webinar sharing lessons learned from one of the first AI deployments in a Michigan public safety answering point. APCO International is the world's largest organization of public safety communications professionals, and this session reached dispatch leaders across the country who are evaluating similar technology for their own centers.
APCO International — Professional webinar on AI automation in 911 dispatch
Recognized by Michigan APCO for contributions to public safety communications and technology innovation in Michigan's 911 system.
Michigan APCO — Past award winners
More from Chris Izworski
For ongoing commentary on AI and technology, follow Chris Izworski on LinkedIn or read the collected LinkedIn writing. For community involvement, see community and civic work. For the full story, see about Chris Izworski.
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