3 days ago
Peninsula Regional 911 unveils new technology that allows callers to share real-time video and photos
YORKTOWN, Va. (WAVY) – New 911 technology on the Peninsula will help improve speed and response during emergency situations.
Peninsula Regional 911 callers can now share real-time video and photos using Citizen Input. Dispatchers can send a link to callers that will allow them to voluntarily do so.
Dispatcher Krystal Wilcox said it's been easy to adapt to the new technology in the three months they've been testing it out.
'It's an integrated solution, so it allows us to have it paired with our mapping system and our phone system. So, it's easy to maneuver when we answer 911, or even a non-emergency line,' Wilcox said.
The director of the Peninsula Regional 911 Emergency Communications Center, Terry Hall, said the technology is not meant for every call they get. It would mainly be utilized for situations like fires or accidents to help give context during emergencies.
'We were kind of concerned that maybe the citizens would not want to use it, but I think we have probably done 30 to 40 of them, and everybody has been very well receptive, and it's really aided in our first responder responses,' Hall said.
Hall added that they're also testing transcription and translation services, hoping to continue modernizing the technology they use to serve citizens.
'All the tools that you see around you, and all the consoles you see behind us are tools that the dispatchers can use to articulate the response, who to send, how to send. All of that happens and starts in the 911 center,' Hall said.
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