enforcement in identifying and capturing suspects.
some are already in use. All hold the promise of making law enforcement officers smarter by tackling some of their major job challenges: not know- ing exactly where they are headed, not knowing what they’re walking into and not having clear communication with other emergency service agencies to respond effectively and efficiently. NG911-based technology will al- low officers to access data such as digital maps via the officers’ mobile data terminals rather than verbally communicating the information. In addition, remote control sensors can provide real-time video updates even
NG911. When individuals can’t make voice calls or speak without putting themselves at risk, they can text for help. Although “non-NG911” texting to 911 is currently available in some areas, it will be a commonplace appli- cation for states that have upgraded to NG911. Texting is particularly helpful when individuals are in a situation where a voice call to 911 would heighten their risk. This includes domestic violence victims or those in hostage situations. Neal notes that Vermont PSAPs receive 911 text messages and are also capable of initiating outbound texts. “This outbound texting capability has proven useful in contacting wireless callers who have hung up,” she explains. In this sce- nario, PSAPs receiving possibly inadvertent calls are required to attempt to recontact the caller. Using text, a message can be sent to the caller to confirm he or she is safe. States like Vermont and Indiana have found they are more likely to get a response to a text than a phone call, and have saved significant time and resources “closing” these calls. Jason Horning, Next Genera- tion 911 ProgramManager for the North Dakota Association of Counties, explains that for individuals with special needs, texting is a critical benefit. The deaf and hard-of-hearing or physically disabled can easily text 911 from their phones with- out needing extra devices, such as teletypewriter (TTY) devices. “NG911 is making North Dakota a safer place for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community through the deployment of text-to-911 service,” explains Horning. “That peace of mind is particularly important even if they never make a 911 call.”
Virginia’s Reyes explains, “We would significantly increase the apprehen- sion and case closure rate with the amount of evidence that can poten- tially flow into a PSAP.” All of this rich data from digital tools and applications requires both NG911 and FirstNet—upgrading 911 to an NG911 infrastructure so that PSAPs can receive the information—and deploying a dedicated public safety broadband network to share improved data with first responders.
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SAVING COSTS WHILE SAVING LIVES
Upgrading to NG911 is not inexpensive, but over time, agencies should save time and money through efficiencies. The reason: two or more NG911- connected call centers can distribute calls across a state or even across state lines. It may also make fiscal sense to share other costs for products and services such as GIS, transla- tion, video relay and cybersecu- rity. It’s easier, faster and more cost-effective to share improve- ments from the upgrade such as computer-aided dispatch or centralized call handling equip- ment. At the same time, commu- nities retain local control. Vermont’s Neal believes that there is a lot of information that can be shared between states
NG911 will enable agencies to build a network of support- ing PSAPs to prevent call overload.
to make the technology transitions easier. “We encourage states to reach out to other jurisdictions who have made this transition and ask about the lessons learned, what resources they may be able to provide, and how the project went for them. Vermont shares its requests for proposals with other jurisdictions and also solicits input from others,” she says. “Getting involved with national organizations such as NASNA, NENA and APCO is key. They all provide access to great resources.” n
before responders arrive on the scene. The PSAP will get a data alert, but could also pull up a video feed showing what’s happening inside buildings. Data from a gunfire locator or gunshot detection system also has the potential to be transmitted via NG911 technology. Receipt and storage of evidence in the form of photos or videos will be very helpful when it comes to solving cases or taking them to trial. Photos of license plates or suspect vehicles sent by 911 callers can be useful to law
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MAKING LAW ENFORCE- MENT SMARTER
A number of innovative NG911-based technologies are in development and
NG911 9
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