A new software being rolled out in Carrollton now gives 911 dispatchers the ability to provide a variety of digital tools to bring enhanced situational awareness during emergencies.
The North Texas Emergency Communications Center , a joint 911 dispatch hub that serves the communities of Carrollton, Addison, Coppell, and Farmers Branch, recently deployed state-of-the-art technology to improve services through a program called Prepared 911.
This is how it works-- when a person calls 911, dispatchers at NTECC are now able to send a link that offers the caller the choice to opt in to allow live video to be sent from their device directly to the dispatcher and first responders. With the additional visual information, police, firefighters, and emergency medical services can make more confident, better-informed decisions by giving dispatchers and public safety a better understanding of the emergencies being called in.
"This program allows us the ability to see the situation and determine what assets are needed to help resolve it faster," Rex Redden, Executive Director of Public Safety for Carrollton said."Instead of having to wait for a responder to arrive, then request additional resources, we will know sooner and can deliver those resources faster. It better informs us so that we can help our citizens more quickly, which is a win for everyone.
According to a release sent out Wednesday, the feature is opt-in only, meaning the live video feed is ended when the user decides to end the call. Dispatch is then unable to access the live camera without the caller choosing to opt in again. In addition to live video, callers are still able to text dispatchers in the event they are unable to speak over the phone during an emergency.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
2024 Porsche 911 Turbo S hybrid nears end of developmentThe Porsche 911 is about to undergo its biggest change since the introduction of water-cooled engines.
Read more »
Jacksonville Dollar General shooting: 911 call made by shooter’s dad releasedFor the first time, we’re hearing the 911 call from the father of the shooter from this weekend’s racially motivated attack at a Jacksonville Dollar General.
Read more »
Mobile charged with jamming 911 dispatchers was targeting neighbors, detective testifiesA man accused of jamming emergency communications in downtown Mobile told investigators he was targeting neighbors and did not realize his equipment was having a wider impact, according to testimony Wednesday.
Read more »