HAMILTON COUNTY, Ind. – Those in need of emergency assistance in Indiana can already send text messages to dispatchers for help, but soon they may be able to send photos and videos too.
State and federal officials have begun considering technology that could provide dispatchers more information.
"Let's say we get a photo in of an auto accident and it shows the position of the vehicle and how many vehicles are involved. That'll be helpful,” said Michael Snowden of Hamilton County Public Safety Communications.
He recently met with Congresswoman Susan Brooks and the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission to discuss the future of 911 systems.
Snowden said dispatchers would need additional training if callers are able to send photos and videos.
"We are concerned, and one of the things we're really working toward is making sure our folks are resilient. When they see something in a photo or video that depicts something graphic, we want them to be OK,” he said.
Another factor in the service depends on funding. Brooks said she’s advocating for a larger infrastructure plan.
"In all of these disasters in other states because of the hurricanes, the 911 systems are critically important. They're critically important not only for the search and rescue issues, but also they become important repositories of information,” said Brooks.
It’s unclear when the upgraded service will be available, but it could be as soon as the end of 2018.
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