California’s 911 emergency dispatch system will take a big step into the 21st century in the new year.
Beginning Friday, Jan. 1, every dispatch center in California must accept text message requests for help because of a new state law.
CAL FIRE battalion chief Valerie Watts in the Santa Cruz Mountains says the dispatch system upgrade is designed for the deaf and disabled and those who otherwise cannot speak, like domestic violence victims, or people in rural areas.
“It’s preferred obviously for those areas that don’t have very good cellular service, they’re able to remain in contact.”
Chief Watts says it is not meant to completely replace voice calls but has proven valuable in regions that have already implemented it.
“It pinpoints pretty much real time data, latitude and longitude, of where you’re texting from and we get that location and we put it into our computer aided dispatch system to find out where you’re at so we can send the correct response.”
The state is picking up the tab for the new equipment and many areas have already begun offering the service ahead of the new year.