Kansas City Police Launch Real-Time 911 Translation Ahead of World Cup

New AI-powered system covers nearly 200 languages to aid international fans and residents

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:53pm

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a futuristic 911 call center console, with neon lights highlighting the various input and output interfaces. The central display shows real-time language translation, representing the advanced technology used by the Kansas City Police Department to assist international visitors during emergencies.Cutting-edge translation technology helps the Kansas City Police Department communicate with callers from around the world during emergencies.Kansas City Today

The Kansas City Police Department has rolled out a new AI-based translation system for 911 calls, allowing the department to communicate in nearly 200 languages in real time. The system, called Rapid SOS, was implemented ahead of the 2026 World Cup, when Kansas City will host matches for several international teams. The translation feature automatically detects a caller's language and provides text-to-speech translation on the call taker's screen, enabling seamless communication during emergencies.

Why it matters

With hundreds of thousands of international fans expected to visit Kansas City for the World Cup, the new translation system will be crucial for ensuring the safety and security of all residents and visitors. The ability to communicate effectively in a wide range of languages will help the police department respond more efficiently to emergencies and provide appropriate assistance.

The details

The Rapid SOS translation system covers about 147 languages for text-to-type translation and around 50 languages for automatic call translation. It can switch between languages seamlessly within a single conversation. The system also provides precise location tracking, pinpointing callers within 3 feet. This information is relayed to officers responding to the scene, allowing them to better assist individuals who may not speak English.

  • The Kansas City Police Department has been using the Rapid SOS translation system since the beginning of 2026.
  • The system was implemented ahead of the 2026 World Cup, when Kansas City will host matches for several international teams.

The players

Rapid SOS

An AI-based translation system that covers nearly 200 languages and was purchased by the Mid-America Regional Council for all agencies in the region.

Michelle Negus

A KCPD call taker who has been using the new translation system and says it has been very helpful.

Capt. Caleb Lenz

A KCPD officer who says the translation system allows for seamless communication with the public from anywhere in the world and during any emergency.

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What they’re saying

“It shows what they send us and then the English version. And then when we type back, it goes to them with both the translation of their language and then what we have typed.”

— Michelle Negus, KCPD call taker

“It's very important because it allows us to have seamless communication with the public from wherever they are in the world and whatever emergency they might have and whatever services they might need.”

— Capt. Caleb Lenz, KCPD officer

What’s next

The KCPD will continue using the Rapid SOS translation system after the 2026 World Cup is over, as it has proven to be a valuable tool for improving emergency response and communication with the diverse community.

The takeaway

The implementation of this real-time translation system for 911 calls demonstrates Kansas City's proactive approach to ensuring the safety and inclusivity of all residents and visitors, especially ahead of the influx of international fans for the World Cup. It sets a new standard for emergency services and could serve as a model for other cities hosting major global events.