Technology: A game changer for public safety and security, By Inyene Ibanga

Digital technology is a vital tool in helping public safety institutions to prevent and fight crime more efficiently and effectively and serve citizens better. It has the potential to transform the way public safety is delivered in our communities.

The digitisation of police and other public safety institutions is helping in facilitating effective, efficient, and proactive policing.

Through public safety technology, law enforcement and safety institutions provide more data – accurately and transparently – as a fundamental step in creating true community policing that brings officers, citizens, and decision-makers together…

Boone considering consolidating 911 communications center with county (NC)

BOONE — The town of Boone is considering the future operations of the 911 communications center.

Boone Police Chief Andy LeBeau said at the Jan. 12 town council meeting that Boone and Watauga County both operate a Public Safety Answering Point — or 911 communication center.

“We essentially do the same things,” LeBeau said at the Jan. 12 town council meeting. “We answer 911 calls, handle administrative calls. We dispatch, police, fire and medics. We are quickly coming to a crossroads though with financial commitments from the town if we are to continue to operate, especially as we prepare to sell the police department building and build a new facility…

“We’re headed in the wrong direction” (NC)

GATESVILLE – Several citizens voiced their concerns over a number of ongoing issues in Gates County here recently during the public comment period at the regularly scheduled county commissioners meeting.

Included among those choosing to voice their concerns – mostly dealing with the unexpected transfer in December of E911 services to Perquimans County, was Sheriff Ray Campbell.

“I love my county, I love what I do but I believe there’s an element here now that’s hell-bent on tearing this county apart,” the Sheriff said… “

OKC facing 911 Dispatcher Shortage (OK)

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KOKH) — When you pick up your phone and dial 911, you never expect the line to be busy. But due to the current chronic worker shortage, you may have to call back, or wait for your call to be answered.

This was the case for Oklahoma City resident Katherine Dilley, who was involved in a hit-and-run accident this weekend. She says she dialed 911, and heard a busy tone.

“When I called 911 it kind of freaked me out because the line was busy and you know even though no one was hurt, what if someone was hurt that would be really scary,” Dilley said. “I called again a few minutes later and it was still busy…

Las Cruces 911 lines restored after being down on Tuesday (NM)

Las Cruces 911 lines restored after being down on Tuesday (NM)

Officials in Las Cruces say the lines that connect 911 calls to dispatchers in the City of the Crosses were down on Tuesday, but are working once again.

The Mesilla Valley Regional Dispatch Authority says even though the lines to the main dispatch center were down, 911 calls were answered at a backup facility throughout the day.

“It definitely does impact us because our 911 lines were cut off and our non-emergency lines were cut off and our non-emergency lines which people use to get ahold of us for day to day issues that are non-emergency were also cut off,” said Albert Flores the Director Mesilla Valley Regional Dispatch Authority…