The Freeholder Board approved the purchase of a next generation 911 system with all new hardware and servers at a meeting in Lindenwold. A key feature of the new system is the ability to accept 911 calls by text.
“It is important for the county to utilize current technology to insure the safety of our residents,” said Freeholder Scot McCray. “It is still most beneficial to call 911 so that our trained call takers can obtain important information quickly, but in certain circumstance this is a valuable alternative to using the phone.”
Residents who may have difficulty making a phone call in an emergency situation can text 911 and receive follow up texts from the County Communications Center. It is also useful if you have texting capabilities but not phone reception.
“Young people are very comfortable communicating by text,” said McCray. “This is also an effective tool for individuals who may be hearing impaired.”
The new system is anticipated to go online in July and will have the capability to give call takers the exact address where a 911 call originated. This feature can pin point the location of land lines and Phase II compliant phones with GPS capabilities or “Smart Phones,” and will give location information for all devises.
“The new 911 system’s mapping system will get emergency help to individuals regardless of if they are aware of their current location or not,” said McCray. “This becomes important in situations such as motor vehicle accidents on highways when help is sent according to the closest onramp for the quickest response.”
The system will eventually will accept photos by text of emergency situations or crimes in progress that will be useful to first responders and law enforcement officers.
“It is a priority to keep our systems current and provide the latest upgrades,” said McCray. “The safety of our residents come first and we want to give them and our first responders the tools they need the report emergency situations.”
