Arizona emergency responders have implemented improvements to the 911 system statewide. The upgrades have reportedly been years in the making.
State officials say the approximate $50 million system improvements will have real world benefits for people calling 911.
“Your call should get answered faster, help should get to you quicker, and the right kind of help," said the state Chief Information Officer J.R. Sloan.
He says the system will be able to pinpoint callers within 3 feet of their location. And he says the system can accommodate more than just phone calls.
“Text messaging, images, you know, photos, being able to share photos, you know, video, including live video that can be shared between 911 dispatchers, call centers and folks that need help," Sloan said.
Left uncovered are most of Arizona’s sovereign tribal communities, though Sloan says some like the Gila River Indian Community have signed on.
