Coalition expresses urgent need to NG911 funding, wants more than proposed $10 billion

by | Aug 10, 2022 | Comm Center News

ANAHEIM—Public Safety NG911 Coalition representatives expressed support for legislation that calls for as much as $10 billion in spectrum-auctions proceeds to be used to fund the transition to next-generation 911 technology, but they want the money to be available soon and believe more than $10 billion is necessary.

These statements were made yesterday during a session at the APCO 2022 event that was moderated by APCO CTO Mel Maier, chairman of the Public Safety NG911 Coalition.

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Yakima Co. dispatchers seeing more people texting 911 when it’s not safe to call (WA)

by | Aug 9, 2022 | Comm Center News

YAKIMA COUNTY, Wash. — Yakima County emergency dispatchers are seeing an increase in people texting 911 in situations where calling could put them in danger, especially when someone is violating a domestic violence no-contact order.

“People just don’t feel comfortable talking because that person that isn’t supposed to be there is there and for their safety, they can’t make that phone call,” SunComm Yakima 911 public safety communications manager Erica McNamara said.

It’s not just police officers. 911 dispatchers are also in short supply (WA)

by | Aug 9, 2022 | Comm Center News

Earlier this summer, the Washington State Patrol did something it’s never done before: close one of its eight regional communication centers used to answer 911 calls and dispatch troopers and other first responders to emergencies.

The center, located in Wenatchee, had been plagued for years by understaffing and the situation showed no sign of improvement. So, the decision was made to pull the plug and route those calls to other centers elsewhere in the state.

North Olmsted residents submit petition regarding dispatch center ordinance – (OH)

by | Aug 9, 2022 | Comm Center News

NORTH OLMSTED, Ohio — The debate over emergency services in North Olmsted isn’t finished yet, council members passed legislation surrounding the city’s dispatch centers, but residents like Alejandro Chock aren’t on board.

“I’m very concerned that for a period of time, beginning with any transition, should we should we actually make the move that we’ll have no dispatchers in North Olmstead that have local expertise,” said Chock.