North Wales Police pilots hybrid quantum emergency response | Computer Weekly

"Hybrid quantum computing works like an accelerator, combining the capabilities of quantum computers to solve complex problems with classical computing's strength in processing logic operations sequentially at scale. According to D-Wave, the challenge with using classical optimisation technology is that NWP officers need to cover large geographies under difficult constraints and dynamic variables. These include ambitious response-time targets, limited staffing, demanding operational duties, and ever-shifting deployment needs driven by factors such as crime patterns, public events and emergencies."

"North Wales Police (NWP) has worked with D-Wave on a proof-of-concept hybrid quantum computing application to optimise the placement of police vehicles for emergency response. The pair reported that the hybrid quantum approach was able to deliver faster, more accurate and more efficient emergency response, allowing NWP to reduce the average incident response time by nearly 50%. Hybrid quantum computing works like an accelerator, combining the capabilities of quantum computers to solve complex problems with classical computing's strength in processing logic operations sequentially at scale."

"Working with D-Wave, NWP tested the use of hybrid quantum computing for "forward deployment", where officers are placed strategically in high-risk areas to enable faster response times, enhance visibility and deter crime. D-Wave said the application, which uses a hybrid quantum solver available through D-Wave's Leap quantum cloud service, outperformed NWP's classical approach to optimisation by reducing police vehicle coordination time from four months to four minutes, significantly improving real-time adaptability."

North Wales Police collaborated with D-Wave on a proof-of-concept hybrid quantum-classical optimisation to place police vehicles for emergency response. The hybrid approach reduced average incident response times by nearly 50% and cut police vehicle coordination time from four months to four minutes. Hybrid quantum computing combined quantum problem-solving with classical sequential logic, improving real-time adaptability. The optimisation addressed large geographies, response-time targets, limited staffing, operational duties, and shifting deployment needs driven by crime patterns, events and emergencies. The pilot incorporated predictive analytics for forward deployment of officers in high-risk areas, raising concerns about potential bias and profiling.

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