Leaders of four key organizations ask members of the Senate Commerce Committee to include federal funding to pay for the deployment of IP-based, next-generation-911 (NG911) technology in the “One Big Beautiful Bill” reconciliation legislation that the Senate is expected to consider in the near future.
Many agencies underestimate the cost of operating even a modest 2-position dispatch center. On paper, it sounds manageable — just two dispatchers, right? But let’s break it down
Dispatchers at the Honolulu Police Department are being forced to work overtime because of short staffing.
Some 911 callers are waiting as long as 20 minutes to ask for help. Employees face “vitriol and verbal abuse ” from supervisors.
The allegations were outlined in a two-page letter delivered to the Honolulu City Council on Thursday from the Hawaii Government Employees Association.
On June 4, 2025, the FCC released a Public Notice announcing the due dates for comments on a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) proposing improvements to ensure the resiliency, reliability, interoperability, and accessibility of Next Generation 911 (NG911) networks. NG911 will provide improved support for the full range of 911 voice, text, data, and video communications, which will enable improved 911 access for individuals with disabilities.
Jason Moore learned how technological innovation at a South Carolina 9-1-1 dispatch center eases the burden on call-takers, accelerates response to citizens in need and improves fire department effectiveness.
Public safety answering points (PSAPs), which more commonly are known as 9-1-1 dispatch centers, often are the first contact for someone who is in need. Occasionally, the hard-working PSAP call-takers are overlooked, but their professionalism, efficiency and dedication can set the tone for the entire emergency. Therefore, they are a crucial component to the fire and emergency service response model.
