OUTDATED 9-1-1 SYSTEM PUTS LIVES IN DANGER (PA)
Some 911 systems across the country were designed before the use of cell phones and the outdated technology makes some centers unable to accurately pinpoint a caller’s location. To see video READ MORE
Whitley County dispatcher graduates from Public Safety Dispatch Academy (KY)
A total of 19 law enforcement dispatchers graduated Friday from the Public Safety Dispatch Academy at the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training (DOCJT), including Anthony W. Christie, who works at the Whitley County E-911 Communications Center.
The graduates hail from communications centers across the state, and comprise DOCJT’s 130th telecommunications academy class, which first began in 1999.
The students graduating from the Public Safety Dispatch Academy represent the successful completion of a highly structured…
Cedar Rapids emergency responders start enhanced screening to prepare for Coronavirus outbreak (IA)
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) Cedar Rapids has started initiating several plans to prepare for the potential spread of COVID-19. Local emergency responders say they’ve started enhanced screening as a precaution.
“Every 911 call that comes into the dispatch that is medical in nature will have those screening questions asked,” said Training Chief Jason Andrews with the Cedar Rapids Fire Department.
Those questions include checking for signs of fever or respiratory illness, followed by asking if callers have traveled… READ MORE
911 operator shortage plagues Citrus (FL)
“911, what’s your emergency?”
The emergency in this case is at the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center where there is a shortage of communication officers, officials say.
The trend is nationwide says April Heinze with the National Emergency Number Association (NENA), which focuses on improving 911 through research, standards development, training, education, outreach, and advocacy… READ MORE
Next Generation 911 (NG911) (MT)
Because most 911 systems were originally built using analog rather than digital technologies, Public Safety Answering Points, PSAPs (dispatch centers) across the country need to be upgraded to a digital or Internet Protocol (IP)-based 911 system, commonly referred to as Next Generation 911 (NG911).
NG911 enhances dispatch services to create a faster, more resilient system that allows voice, photos, videos and text messages to flow seamlessly from the public to the 911 network. NG911 will also help dispatch services … READ MORE
City phasing in next-generation 911 service (Canada)
For decades, dialing 911 and speaking with an operator has been the standard way to call for help. Winnipeg police are now preparing for the day when people can send for help by text message or video as well.
With the proliferation of mobile devices capable of transmitting photo, video and text messages, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission has directed telecommunications companies within Canada to upgrade their networks to allow people to access next-generation 911… READ MORE
