New Pilot Program to Use Chatbot Technology to Assist Victims of Residential Burglary
GREENSBORO, NC (August 30, 2022) – A new pilot project developed by experts at RTI International, a nonprofit research institute, and implemented with the Greensboro Police Department, aims to support burglary victims through the use of an automated conversational assistant.
The RTI-developed chatbot, called the Enhanced Virtual Victim Assistant (EVVA), will improve the ability of law enforcement to respond to the needs of victims of burglary and refer them to community-based support and services without an additional drain on limited police resources. Fewer than 5% of burglary victims receive assistance, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics.
“This innovative partnership between RTI and the Greensboro Police Department will lead to a reduction in the administrative workload for detectives, while improving the efficiency of victim assistance,” said Lynn Langton, Ph.D., a research public health analyst at RTI and the principal investigator on the project. “Evidence suggests that victim satisfaction, especially in the case of burglary, improves with enhanced police communication.”
In addition to connecting victims to needed resources and support, EVVA will advise burglary victims on what to expect after a burglary occurs, steps to take to secure their residence and personal items, and will provide links to the department phone numbers and emails.
The technology builds on the success of chatbots, or conversational agents, to enhance customer service across a wide range of sectors, including retail, banking, healthcare, and government.
EVVA is now live on the Greensboro EVVA Website and offers 24-hour assistance.
About RTI International
RTI International is an independent, nonprofit research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach — one that integrates expertise across the social and laboratory sciences, engineering and international development. We believe in the promise of science, and we are inspired every day to deliver on that promise for the good of people, communities and businesses around the world. For more information, visit www.rti.org.