Fairborn, Ohio, recently became the first city to test Air Force Research Lab-developed technology for police and firefighting services. This new technology aims to separate radio chatter from the greater noise and aims to help first responders monitor and manage emergency situations better.

The technology developed by GlobalFlyte uses multimodal communications to spatially separate conversations during radio chatter. It phases out the chaos and hones in on keywords. It can also provide audio transcripts, share photos and videos in real time as well.

It can be used for both Air Force research as well as for other law enforcement efforts. Officers can use the smartphone app called "Minute Man" to communicate without using radio chatter and locate personnel and critical structures at an incident scene. They also have the help of a video camera, called "Live Eye," tethered to a drone or pole, to help in such situations.

Right now, the Fairborn Police Department is set to try it out and provide GlobalFlyte with feedback about their transformative technology. The goal is to improve communications for the police, firefighters, medics and public works employees so that they can serve the public better. The initial project will map and use smartphone technology in the city's dispatch center.

Instances of emerging tech in police work are surfacing across the nation. Technologies like location-tracking phone apps and drones are now becoming a part of routine police work. In a recent case, Blount County Sheriff's Department in Tennessee used the technology to search for a missing 20-year-old Knoxville college student.

These tools have become critical for first responders and for search-and-rescue situations. Law enforcement and fire agencies are using location tracking to keep both the public and officers safe. The intuitive technology offers heightened situational awareness. This, in turn, increases the chances of success in emergency situations.

There are other emerging techs in use as well. A recent report highlight how the Delaware State Police are trying to incorporate artificial intelligence into their program. They are working with Texas-based Coban Technologies to use advanced AI in their work.

With the use of this powerful tool, the police can catch criminals faster and offer better public protection and safety. The officers themselves haven't revealed the details for fear of tipping off criminals, which is understandable.

With criminals becoming proficient in the latest technologies, there is no place for technophobia and outdated systems in police work.

Artificial intelligence, airborne drones, connected apps and wearable technologies will allow officers to access in-depth information from many sources at the same time. They can soon expect and rely on instant facial recognition, vehicle models or license plate identification, background checks and other relevant information to be available at their fingertips.