More than 100 state employees recently began training on the use of generative artificial intelligence in their jobs. From streamlining AHCCCS systems to analyzing bodycam footage, GenAI is already in use throughout Arizona’s government.
But JR Sloan with the state Department of Administration says like any tool, not every agency will find it useful.
“There's opportunity, as government employees, to have these help us do our jobs more efficiently,” said Sloan. “But we also want to do it responsibly and safely. And so that was really the impetus for us to step in and say, ‘We need to provide guidance.’”
Sloan said the focus will be on improving government services for both the public and people serving them, while keeping data safe. It’s crucial, he said, to understand what generative AI systems are and what they can do, before getting to how they can make government services more efficient and useful for more people.
“Like most tools, it may not be useful for everybody, right?” Sloan said. “So let's find those people for whom this is useful and make sure we train them on how to use it properly.”
He said data security is a top priority, along with ensuring that AI sticks to its role of helping get work done, not doing that work instead.
“We in government, just like you can in the private sector, take advantage of the technology bringing us efficiencies,” said Sloan. “But ultimately when we're making decisions that affect people, then people need to be involved in making those decisions.”
Sloan said the free training is fully available to the public online through InnovateUS, which he’s seen work well for other state and local governments.
