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Revolutionizing communication in the field
In the fast-paced world of law enforcement, every second counts — and clear communication can mean the difference between confusion and resolution. Real-Time Translation is set to transform the way officers engage with community members who speak different languages during everyday interactions.
In recent decades, the number of households in the US who speak a language other than English as their primary language has significantly increased. Real-Time Translation will help ensure important moments are not lost in translation and incidents move to resolution faster. In this article, we’ll dig into how the solution works and how agencies and their communities can benefit from increased understanding.
Instant communication, faster resolution
Agencies have long used traditional translation tools — such as calling phone-based interpreters or using mobile apps — to communicate with community members who do not speak the same language.
These existing communication solutions will remain critical, but depending on the situation, they can take too much time or direct officers' attention down to a screen. The time spent waiting for multi-lingual officers or interpreters to arrive on-scene can create delays during moments where time and clarity are paramount, and also hinder officers from being able to resolve issues in their community. The use of translation apps, while faster than waiting for a human to arrive on-scene, also presents challenges. Officers have to hold and look down at their phone to use translation apps rather than keeping their eyes up, engaged with the community member.
Real-Time Translation addresses both of these challenges at the same time. It brings push-to-talk voice translation directly to Axon Body 4, enabling officers to quickly communicate with speakers of over 50 languages through audible translations. With an estimated 60 million US residents speaking one of these supported languages at home, representing nearly a fifth of the country’s population, having a seamless, fast way to communicate with these community members is essential. Real-Time Translation bridges communication gaps in real-time, enabling officers to build trust and resolve many community needs in seconds, instead of minutes or hours.
Seamless operation, powerful results
Real-Time Translation is designed for simplicity and speed. Christian Hoogerheyde, Product Manager for Real-Time Translation, explains:
“It’s as easy as double-pressing a programmable button on the Axon Body 4 camera. Officers can set the language they hear, respond, and that message is translated back — keeping the conversation going, gathering important information and building trust. It is not only saving valuable time on a call but also helps first responders build trust with community members when it matters most.”
Watch this quick demo video to see how the solution in action:
The audible translations allows officers to stay focused on the situation, while the technology actively supports two-way communication — helping to ensure everyone is heard and understood anywhere you can have a conversation. As an officer from Milford Police Department in Connecticut, one of the agencies testing Real-Time Translation in Early Access, put it:
“I was highly impressed with this new technology’s effectiveness. Being able to communicate directly with the driver without having to look down at a phone to communicate with the operator greatly enhanced officer safety. In the past I have used my cell phone and either had the operator read what was on my phone or had my phone play the translation; while other times I have had to call the [Communications Center] and request [a bilingual officer] and had to wait for them to come to the scene or a call back from them."
Key features include:
Real-Time Speech Translation: The device audibly translates speech from a member of the public within seconds. When the officer speaks back, their speech is, in turn, translated into the other language, supporting smoother, more natural conversations when an interpreter isn't immediately available.
Intuitive Push-to-Talk Operation: Activation via a quick button double-press directly on Axon Body 4 minimizes distractions and allows officers to keep their eyes up, helping them focus on the conversation while maintaining situational awareness.
Flexibility with Language Detection: When officers know which language is being spoken, they can manually set the language. However, the system can also intelligently identify the language being spoken when speech is provided, empowering officers to communicate even when they don't know which language is being spoken.
Secure Audio Recording and Playback: Using Real-Time Translation automatically starts audio and video recording on the body-worn camera, ensuring interactions are captured. Recordings are recorded and stored on Axon Evidence like all other BWC recordings and transcripts can be reviewed by human interpreters to verify accuracy, adding a layer of accountability and transparency.
Designed for everyday encounters
While Real-Time Translation is not a replacement for certified human translators, it excels in low-stakes interactions that make up the bulk of daily police work, especially when used in environments where two people can have a conversation without needing to raise their voices.
Ideal use cases include:
Traffic Stops: Quickly communicate the reason for a stop, provide instructions, and answer basic questions — all while keeping the interaction respectful and efficient.
Community Engagement: Build rapport with residents in their preferred language during outreach events, neighborhood patrols, or public safety initiatives.
Routine Assistance and Incident Reports: Help gather information on a variety of calls, such as lost property, wellness checks, or providing directions and support.
Responsible AI innovation, designed for law enforcement
Real-Time Translation was developed using our Responsible Innovation Framework, with a strong emphasis on responsible AI use and real-world practicality. The technology is designed to assist, not replace, human judgment — and includes guardrails to help ensure it’s used ethically.
“It’s really about helping officers quickly understand what someone is trying to communicate,” says Hoogerheyde. "Users of Real-Time Translation who speak different languages will be able to understand each others’ ‘main intent’ in the vast majority of cases for supported languages. There will certainly be times when a human translator is required, but the Real-Time Translation tool can still help identify when a human translator may be needed, the language being spoken and the urgency of that need."
Key safeguards include:
Officer Activation: The feature must be activated by the officer, ensuring that community members’ privacy is respected and communication is deliberate.
Secure Review & Oversight: Translated audio is recorded and stored securely in Axon Evidence, allowing human interpreters, supervisors, or legal teams to review interactions as needed for oversight or training.
Usage Guidelines: Agencies are advised of the tool’s intended use—traffic stops, general community engagement and routine assistance— and to apply it in accordance with their internal policies and procedures. Additionally, officers are encouraged to inform individuals when a real-time translation tool is being used, clearly stating that it is not a certified interpreter.
A step forward in public safety
Real-Time Translation marks a breakthrough in how public safety agencies engage with communities. It empowers officers to communicate instantly across language barriers, reducing delays and building lasting trust — one conversation at a time.
From clearing up a misunderstanding during a traffic stop to assisting with a non-emergency report, this technology ensures that language is no longer a barrier when responding to a call.
Learn more
Real-Time Translation is part of the Axon AI Era Plan. To learn more about the plan, reach out to us by contacting your Axon representative or schedule a demo on the Real-Time Translation page.