The New York City Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) has announced that it is slated to complete the Next Generation 911 (NG911) project by the end of 2024.
This announcement comes as part of the Next Generation 911 Status Report, which also indicates how the New York City Police Department and New York City Fire Department are working closely with OTI to create a “world-class” emergency response communication system.
“The successful ongoing implementation of the Next Generation 911 system exemplifies this administration’s commitment to leveraging the latest technology to enhance the lives of New Yorkers and strengthening public safety across the city,” stated Matthew Fraser, New York City chief technology officer.
“NG911’s all-digital network will revolutionize how callers, call-takers, and first responders share and receive information in emergency situations and will ensure that the nation’s busiest 911 service is accessible to all. I thank NYPD and FDNY for their continued collaboration on this critical project,” Fraser added.
Some of the benefits of this new system include being able to accept multimedia data – such as texts, photographs, and videos – as well as a greater accuracy to identify the caller’s location for quicker responses.
The new system comes as the New York City 911 system receives over 9 million calls annually. The city developed a long-term strategy to replace its analog telephone landline-based infrastructure with an all-digital NG911.
“Ensuring that our technology keeps pace with a city that grows more mobile and wireless everyday is essential to the safety of our members and the public they bravely serve. Our members respond to fires, medical emergencies, and more unique life hazards than ever before, and NextGen911 will allow them to receive more precise and real-time information that is critical to their lifesaving work,” said Laura Kavanagh, commissioner of the FDNY.
