CAIP Convenes Tabletop Exercise on AI Threats to Emergency Response

Washington, DC — On January 30, 2025, the Center for AI Policy (CAIP) convened public safety leaders, federal officials, and AI experts to examine the threat of AI to emergency response. Attendees sought to identify methods for addressing various ways AI can undermine the public's trust in first responders and interfere with public safety operations, ranging from response delays to prolonged systemic shutdowns. Hosted by CAIP in conjunction with Fairfax County, the event took place at the McConnell Public Safety and Transportation Operations Center. This secure state-of-the-art facility houses multiple public safety, transportation, and emergency management partners under one roof.

Following presentations that illustrated and forecasted improvements in AI capabilities, the group engaged in a series of tabletop exercise scenario discussions. These scenarios prompted public safety participants with realistic challenges introduced by currently available AI tools. Following the scenario discussions, state, local, federal, and private sector partners sought to address the threats and gaps in preparedness. The tabletop exercise focused on significant threats AI safety experts expect to see with AI technical advancements and the public's increased use of AI in the next 6-12 months. Participants included representatives of several public safety agencies, federal agencies, and national public safety associations.

"I am grateful to the public safety officials and other participants who made this tabletop exercise a success," said Jason Green-Lowe, Executive Director of the Center for AI Policy. "The discussions at this tabletop exercise should be a wake-up call for government officials: the threat from AI is outpacing our preparedness. Our nation's 9-1-1 and law enforcement professionals already have a tough job, and AI will enhance existing threats and enable new ones. We need to do more to address the risks of AI."

"Collaboration like this among 9-1-1 and the broader first responders, federal officials, and technology experts is key to staying one step ahead of malicious actors," said Brian Fontes, CEO of the National Emergency Number Association. "Ultimately, we need to be proactive about AI's promise, and to build resilience to AI risk as well."

The Center for AI Policy (CAIP) is a nonpartisan research organization dedicated to mitigating the catastrophic risks of AI through policy development and advocacy. Based in Washington, DC, CAIP works to ensure AI is developed and implemented with effective safety standards. Learn more at centeraipolicy.org.

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