911 Upgrade To Include Texts, Photos And Video

The Red River Regional Dispatch Center in Fargo is taking "baby steps" as Cass and Clay Counties prepare for a major new upgrade of the 9-1-1 system.

 

 

 

 

(KFGO News file photo)

The Red River Regional Dispatch Center in Fargo is taking "baby steps" as Cass and Clay Counties prepare for a major new upgrade of the 9-1-1 system.

Director Byron Sieber says the upgraded system known as Next Generation 911 is being adopted across the country. He says it is costly, complex, and will take several years to become operational here.

911 can now only receive voice calls. But Sieber says the new system will move into the digital world, allowing texts, photo's and video to be sent. That data can then be relayed by dispatchers to police and first responders as they respond to a call.

Sieber says the new system will allow 911 centers to communicate with each other. Yet to be determined are rules, standards and policies for its use and how to pay for it.

 

Don Haney

   

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