Question

Describe at least some of the challenges facing 9-1-1 in the next few years and how you feel these challenges should be addressed to ensure that 9-1-1 remains effective.

Answer 1

Some of the challenges facing 9-1-1 in the next few years relates with the complex 9-1-1 migration process inclusive of funding, technological expertise, effective governance and new insights operationally with respect to the dynamic environment. For this to happen state and local agencies should be capable of upgrading the public safety answering points (PSAP). In the present day this operates on the analog system which is not as compatible with the digital world. For example, in the any kind of natural disaster , this may not deal with massive calls from various locations. Considering online capability, PSPA may not be able to receive information (e.g. any hostage situation). Hence, Next generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) is aiming to fulfill the shortcomings by having internet based system and integrate with the newer technology so that better information can be shared through geographic information systems and great prioritization of services. Some of the challenges should be addressed to ensure that 9-1-1 remains effective are to have strong leadership at state level to have ease in Nex-Gen adoption, training to the workforce to deal with the new technology, have more cybersecurity in place, more funding, etc.