San Mateo police adopt real-time translation tool for calls

According to a recent press release, officers will use the Pockettalk app on their mobile devices for voice and text communication.

“Improved communication can help officers better understand critical information, assist victims and witnesses, and strengthen investigations, while ensuring all members of our community have a voice when interacting with law enforcement,” according to a San Mateo Police Department press release.

The tool uses artificial intelligence language models, including local dialects and slang.

The department has used translation tools in some capacity for over 20 years, but Officer Andrew Peek, spokesperson for the San Mateo Police Department, said the recent Pockettalk tool “created a quicker ease-of-use for our officers and provides quicker service for our community members.”

Other Bay Area agencies, such as the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, also use the tool.

“We are always excited to use new technology to better serve our community,” Peek said.

With Pockettalk, officers have access to translation services for less common languages in the city.

“If there wasn’t a language available, we’d have to wait for officers from outside agencies to come,” Peek said.

The tool has a $12,000 annual budget.