Communications center renamed to honor long-time chief (MO)

by | Jun 27, 2025 | Comm Center News

Phelps County Communication Center has been renamed the Paula Volkmer 9-1-1 Center in honor of its long-time chief.

“She gave her life to a purpose,” said Steve Zap, Phelps County Emergency Services District board chairman said June 19 just before the board meeting. “She wanted the officers and agencies that she dispatched for to be safe and to be more efficient. She wanted to do what she could to catch the bad guys, and she wanted to keep the people in Phelps County safe.”

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Fort Smith, Sebastian County work to consolidate 911 services (AR)

by | Jun 24, 2025 | Comm Center News

Fort Smith and Sebastian County are working to consolidate all emergency calls into one location. The City of Fort Smith will operate the new consolidated 911 call center. A board made up of city and county leaders will oversee the facility, but they only have about 18 months to get the new center built and operational. During an emergency, 911 is often the first call for help. Just in Fort Smith alone, dispatchers answered more than 60,000 emergency calls last year.

Can AI fix 911’s biggest problems — or make them worse? – Police1

by | Jun 22, 2025 | Comm Center News

Key takeaways

  • AI improves 911 response times and dispatcher efficiency: Artificial intelligence in emergency dispatching helps prioritize 911 calls, reduce dispatcher burnout and streamline non-emergency call handling for faster police and EMS response.
  • AI-powered 911 systems enhance language translation: AI technology like real-time audio translation is improving access to emergency services for non-English speakers, reducing delays and supporting public safety in diverse communities.
  • Staffing shortages in 911 centers demand AI integration: With high vacancy rates and dispatcher burnout, AI-driven call triage and automation tools offer scalable solutions to help agencies manage rising emergency call volumes.
  • Bias and cybersecurity are major risks in AI for public safety: Ethical use of AI in law enforcement requires algorithm transparency, diverse training data and strong cybersecurity safeguards to prevent discrimination and protect sensitive information.
  • AI is a force multiplier, not a 911 dispatcher replacement: When implemented with human oversight, AI tools can support emergency call centers by handling routine tasks, freeing dispatchers to focus on life-threatening incidents.