The Troy Record

TROY, N.Y. -- Members of the Rensselaer County Legislature are supporting the introduction of Next-Gen 911 emergency communications in Rensselaer County, and are asking county emergency services and fiscal officials to review possible implementation.

Next-Gen 911 would be an expansion of the current county E-911 system and offer more access, flexibility and even accuracy for residents and dispatchers, said legislators. Next-Gen 911 would also allow for use of new social media platforms for emergency communications.

Legislators Harry Tutunjian and Hank Bauer, with support from legislative Public Safety Committee Chairman Legislator Mike Stammel and committee member Legislator Thomas Walsh Sr., introduced a resolution supporting Next-Gen 911.

"Next-Gen 911 would be an update and expansion of the current county 911 system, which has saved so many lives, and allow for use of new technology to protect residents and property," said Legislator Harry Tutunjian.

"There is so much technology that has been introduced in recent years. The current 911 system is reliant on phone calls to receive information. Next-Gen 911 would allow for callers to communicate via text message, send video or pictures, and help give a better picture of an accident or emergency," added Legislator Hank Bauer.

Next-Gen 911 would allow the public to transfer text, pictures, video and other data to the county 911 center. It would allow for more information to be sent and received by the county 911 center by persons involved in or witnessing an emergency situation.

The technology would be particularly helpful in traffic accidents, incidents where motorists or pedestrians become stranded, fires and natural disasters like tornadoes or floods. More precise information would help call-takers and improve response time.

"Next-Gen 911 would be particularly useful if there is a major weather incident, flood, tornado or something similar to the major fire and explosion in nearby Columbia County. This would be a great way to use new technology to protect the people," said Tutunjian. "We would like to see what possibilities there are for introducing Next-Gen 911 to the county, including a rundown of costs, grant funding opportunities and timetables," said Bauer.

The resolution supporting introduction of Next-Gen 911 will be considered at the legislative meeting today.