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City Launches New 311 Program for Non-Emergency City Services (CA)

By Stan GreeneSanta Monica launched yesterday a new 311 assistance program to improve customer service for all non-emergency City services. Santa Monica 311, available in English and Spanish, is an integrated program accessible via phone, email and web, city officials said a press release yesterday. The city has also launched a new mobile app that replaces the Santa Monica Works/Go system to make it easier to contact city departments and submit requests. “Our new 311 program will allow Santa Monicans to access information they need about city services quickly, in multiple languages, and via phone, email, web, and mobile devices,” said Interim City Manager Lane Dilg. “This is a big milestone as we enhance citywide customer service and build trust between our community and their local government. We’re here for you at santamonica.gov/311.”City officials said 311 is only for requests that do not require fire or police personnel dispatch (both emergency and non-emergency). If you need to report an emergency, please continue to call 9-1-1, and for non-emergency dispatch, please call (310) 458-8491. Community members should contact the city’s 311 system if they want to ask a question or provide input about city programs or policies (e.g. COVID-19, housing, homelessness, parks); report downed tree branches/palm fronds, a broken parking meter, or illegal dumping; request street/sidewalk repair or graffiti removal; and ask how to get started on city permits or processes, among other requests, city officials said. Residents can submit questions or requests through the city’s new mobile app, the online form at santamonica.gov/311, by emailing 311@santamonica.gov, or calling us at 3-1-1 within city boundaries or (866) 311-SaMo from outside Santa Monica. “Our customer service assistants will answer your question, put you in touch with the right City staff member, and/or create a ticket so we can track your request and make sure it gets resolved,” city officials said. For more information about 311 and instructions on how to download the mobile app, visit santamonica.gov/311.

The Courier salutes Logan County 911 dispatchers (IL)

According to Hopp it is always best when witnessing an incident that needs reported to report it as soon as possible. "For example: Reckless driving, suspicious person, fireworks/gun shots etc... When doing so make sure you provide as much information as possible,...

911 pilot tests emergency systems’ cyber defenses

To better protect emergency communications systems from cyberattacks, the Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate is expanding a pilot to test 911 infrastructure. S&T is working with SecuLore Solutions to develop cybersecurity defenses...

Norristown OKs funds for fire dept. upgrades (PA)

Norristown Fire Chief Thomas O’Donnell addressed the municipality’s elected officials, staff members and area residents during a virtual session as he requested approvals to purchase a fire hoses and adapters as well as a backup public safety emergency communication...

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PSBTA Releases Survey on First Responder Support for FirstNet Reauthorization

New Survey: First Responders Overwhelmingly Support Reauthorization of FirstNet

A new bipartisan national survey commissioned by the Public Safety Broadband Technology Association finds near- unanimous support among first responders for reauthorizing the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority)– the agency overseeing America’s dedicated public safety broadband network.

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Support the reauthorization of the FirstNet Authority to preserve public safety’s network

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FirstNet and the 4.9 GHz Spectrum

This episode dives into the critical evolution of public safety communications, focusing on the recent FCC decision to establish a nationwide Band Manager framework for the 4.9 GHz spectrum, and discuss the evolution and deployment of the FirstNet System. Host Chris Tubbs interviews Chief Jeff Johnson, a leader in public safety technology and the development of FirstNet. Together, they explore the history, governance, and transformative potential of FirstNet and the 4.9 GHz spectrum in enhancing public safety operations with emerging technologies like AI, 5G, and augmented reality. The discussion emphasizes the importance of protecting and optimizing public safety spectrum, the lessons learned from past advocacy efforts, and a call to action for public safety leaders to remain engaged in ensuring the spectrum’s effective use and governance.


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Accessing Federal Resources When an Emergency or Major Disaster Strikes

In light of the major disasters that our nation has recently experienced, PS Grants is offering this FREE webinar to review Disaster Assistance Programs and how to access them. Learn what federal funds and resources are available through Disaster Assistance, understand the process of requesting assistance, know what to expect before, during, and after, and find out who to contact for help.


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