CASE STUDY
IMPROVING LAW ENFORCEMENT IN MASSACHUSETTS
How NG911 Technology Streamlines Operations and Saves Lives
M assachusetts has many suc- cess stories to share since it began its transition to NG911. First responders spend less time try- ing to locate vehicle crashes or crime scenes thanks to enhanced mapping technology. 911 callers are more likely to be connected to the appropriate dispatcher with fewer call transfers. Domestic violence victims, who were once afraid to communicate because their abuser was present, can text 911 thanks to NG911-enabled technology.
ing statewide 911 platform to upgrade the system. They gained financing through an additional surcharge on telephone bills. “The monthly surcharge was increased by 50 cents for one year in order to fund the NG911 upgrade,” explains Frank Pozniak, Executive Director of the State 911 Department. “The increase was approved by the Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Cable, an agency charged by Mas- sachusetts law to review and approve the surcharge.”
NG911 included new equipment, an enhanced database with upgraded mapping functionality and a fiber network for all public safety answering points (PSAPs). Throughout the imple- mentation process, officials worked systematically to ensure that NG911 was ready to go live. The commonwealth was able to bypass some of the challenges that can stall upgrades. Instead of having to wait for individual counties or municipalities to vote on 911 improvements or raise funds, Massachusetts used its exist-
The Massachusetts transition to
NG911 will push through timely and media-rich information.
10 NG911
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