Armstrong County adds ability for those who need help to send text messages to 911 (PA)

Armstrong County adds ability for those who need help to send text messages to 911 (PA)

by | Jan 10, 2022 | Comm Center News

Armstrong County residents now have the option of sending a text message to report an emergency to 911, public safety officials announced Tuesday, Dec. 28.

While the ability to text could be valuable in a scenario when speaking to a dispatcher might escalate a situation, calling should be the first line of communication when seeking help, said Chad Gradwell, the county’s 911 coordinator…

Public Safety Advocate: Resolutions to Enhance Public-Safety Communications – Part One

by | Jan 7, 2022 | Articles, Comm Center News

I trust you and yours had a great holiday season! As we move on to 2022, hopes are that Covid will finally be under control and we will watch our economy roar back to life. Now it is time for making New Year’s Resolutions with the best of intentions (but most of us won’t keep them very long).

I am hopeful we can start this year on a positive note for public-safety communications and that we will continue enhancing technologies, devices, and applications the public-safety community uses on FirstNet. Let’s all sign on to the resolutions outlined below and see how many we can keep through 2022…

WCNC-MEDIC facing 911 dispatcher shortage, putting more stress on the system (NC)

by | Jan 7, 2022 | Comm Center News

MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. — Staffing shortages have been a common and at times debilitating side effect of the pandemic. Mecklenburg County, like many other communities across the country, is facing a 911 operator shortage.

When someone dials 911, they are counting on a dispatcher to answer the call quickly. The MEDIC call center gets about 500 calls a day… READ MORE

City of Detroit 911 to Implement NICE Inform Elite to Improve Service to Citizens and Communities (MI)

by | Jan 7, 2022 | Comm Center News

NICE (Nasdaq: NICE) today announced that the City of Detroit (Michigan) 911 communications center will be deploying NICE Inform Elite to digitally transform processes around tracking performance metrics, performing quality assurance reviews, and reconstructing incidents. Through this transformation, the 911 center expects to improve productivity, enhance staff performance and satisfaction and provide better service to citizens and communities. Detroit is the largest city in the state of Michigan and the 27th most populous U.S. city with over 639,000 residents… READ MORE

CAHOOTS: Can a groundbreaking public safety model work in Ottawa? (Canada)

by | Jan 7, 2022 | Comm Center News

A man is having a mental crisis in a public place. Bystanders notice and dial 911, but since the man seems to offer no threat to others, no police car with blaring sirens arrives.

New mental health hotline to offer alternative to calling 9-1-1 in Montgomery County (OH)

by | Jan 6, 2022 | Comm Center News

Starting January 1, Montgomery county residents will be able to call a new hotline for mental health and substance use crises. The Crisis Now hotline will operate 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Callers will be able to speak with trained behavioral health professionals who can help de-escalate the situation and connect people with local, mental health resources. The hotline will be an additional service to the current suicide prevention hotline… READ MORE