LEWISTON, Idaho — This week marks National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, a time to honor and recognize the dedicated telecommunications professionals who serve their communities in times of need. Among these unsung heroes are two communication specialists from the Lewiston Dispatch.
“We’re behind the scenes. You never see us out in the community or out in public, you only hear voices… sometimes people might not know about us,” shared Halley Challis, training coordinator at BC 911. “To get that appreciation from the community, it means a lot to us; that people know what we do and they know that we’re here, that we’re behind the scenes and that we’re the voice on the other end of that phone.”
April 17, 2025
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Norma Torres (D-CA-35) introduced the bipartisan Providing Resources and Occupational Training for Emotional Crisis and Trauma (PROTECT) 911 Act, alongside Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-IL-02) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01). This critical legislation will improve the mental health and well-being of the nation’s 9-1-1 call-takers and dispatchers, a group often exposed to high-stress and traumatic situations.
As AI technology keeps pushing forward, it is bound to be integrated into law enforcement communication centers. AI-powered dispatch systems offer improved service delivery with more efficiency, faster response delivery and better application of the resources relating to emergency services. This article outlines the chronological perspective of the development of AI-powered dispatch systems and defends the stance that their implementation is pivotal for the future of public safety.
Stop Diverting 9-1-1 Cell Phone Charges and Invest in the Next Generation of Emergency Response
In recognition of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) released recommendations for strengthening 9-1-1 services in New York. The report outlines the challenges counties face, exposes critical funding issues, and provides policy recommendations to build a stronger emergency communications system, including urging the state to end the diversion of 9-1-1 funds.
