SAN FRANCISCO — The San Francisco Deputy Sheriffs’ Association has launched what it calls one of the first real-time, AI-powered recruitment agents operated by a U.S. law enforcement labor group, according to a news release.
The new tool, @AskSgtKen, debuted publicly July 22 on the social platform X. Designed and implemented by SFDSA President Ken Lomba, the virtual assistant engages directly with the public, answering questions, providing safety updates and assisting with the hiring process for the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office.
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Unlike traditional menu-driven chatbots, AskSgtKen uses natural language processing to respond with unscripted, human-like replies around the clock.
“This isn’t a menu-based chatbot,” Lomba said in a statement. “AskSgtKen is an intelligent, adaptive AI that interacts directly with the public 24/7. It’s a tool designed to build transparency, drive recruitment and bring modern innovation to public safety outreach.”
The assistant delivers daily safety tips, recruitment guidance and community engagement content such as trivia, aiming to create new opportunities for digital outreach. It is part of the SFDSA’s larger strategy to modernize communication, increase transparency and attract qualified candidates to law enforcement careers, according to the union.
Click here for more information on how to become a San Francisco Deputy Sheriff.
