North Wales Police have engaged in a groundbreaking proof-of-technology project in collaboration with D-Wave, a firm specializing in hybrid-quantum computing based in Silicon Valley. The primary focus of this initiative is to optimize the positioning of police vehicles for emergency responses within the predominantly rural landscape of North Wales. The potential benefits are substantial, as authorities have indicated that this innovative approach could significantly reduce the average incident response time.
Through their partnership with D-Wave, the police force developed and tested a hybrid-quantum application specifically for “forward deployment”—a strategy that involves strategically placing officers in high-risk areas to ensure quicker response times, increased visibility, and a deterrent effect on crime. Impressively, the testing revealed that the time required to coordinate vehicle placements dropped from months to mere minutes. Furthermore, this technology enabled the police to address at least 90% of incidents within their targeted response time, a remarkable achievement made possible through the support of a grant from the Test and Learn Fund, provided by the UK’s National Science and Innovation Board.
Alistair Hughes, the lead for analytics and AI at North Wales Police, emphasized the challenges associated with optimizing forward deployment for police forces. He noted that reducing response times could lead to lower crime rates, prevent crime escalation, and boost public confidence in safety measures. Hughes expressed belief in the scalability of D-Wave’s hybrid-quantum application at a national level, suggesting that it could enhance efficiency, cut costs, improve outcomes, and contribute to a smaller carbon footprint for police operations.
Dr. Alan Baratz, CEO of D-Wave, highlighted the emerging role of hybrid-quantum computing in public safety initiatives. As law enforcement increasingly turns to data-driven strategies, Baratz stated that this technology offers the speed, precision, and intelligence necessary to optimize officer placement for improving response times and overall safety. The successful application of such cutting-edge technology with North Wales Police showcases the tangible potential of hybrid-quantum computing to make a significant impact across both public and private sectors.
With advancements like these, there is optimism that police forces can harness innovative technologies to improve community safety and enhance their service to the public.