DC 911 call center utilizing new technology to pinpoint, send help to caller’s definite location

Eighty-five percent of the calls coming into the DC 911 center are originating from phones – upwards of 3500 calls per day.

A fourth of those callers don’t have a clue where they are – which can make getting help to the correct location a challenge for the 911 call center dispatcher.

A couple of months back, DC’s 911 call center installed what’s called RAPID S.O.S.- – a technology so exact it can pinpoint a caller’s definite location.

As an investigation, Jeff Robertson with Rapid S.O.S – called 911 from inside the center.

“If you could raise your hand we would love to come over to you,” said Robertson.

Karen Duke accepted the call and demonstrated exactly how exact the technology can be.

A pin demonstrates the phone tower that picked up the call and another shows where the caller truly is. A difference of what gives off an impression of being a few blocks.

“There are times when I get 911 callers who may not know the address or will not be able to give me a particular landmark so the new software here is very informational. It helps my anxiety level as well as the caller and the caller knows that I am getting them the services that they need in a timely manner,” said Karen Duke.

At the present time, the technology is good enough to detect the altitude an individual might call from however not the precise floor in the event that they are calling from a tall building.

“If your are in a situation where you do not want someone to overhear you you can text DC 911 and if you are using an iPhone or an Android phone this new technology can pinpoint your exact location.” said Duke.