Eaton County Central Dispatch began taking calls on the new Next Generation 911 system Thursday, March 7, according to Central Dispatch Director Michael Armitage.
“This is a huge step for our agency and county,” he said.
Armitage answered a few basic questions:
What does this mean?
“We are transitioning the phone infrastructure from the original technology built in the 1960s to modern IP-based technology. This will allow for a 911 system built for today's wireless and mobile environment, instead of fixed landlines.”
What will residents notice?
“The most immediate improvement will be the shorter amount of time it takes to connect to the 911 center, once a call is placed.”
What will it do?
“In the future, this network will carry our text-to-911 service, open up opportunities to share data including photos and videos from the public, and allow for more data sharing between 911 centers and also the public.”
More information on NG-911 is available at https://www.911.gov/issue_
