The Ground Truth: Perspectives of 9-1-1 Center Leaders Facing the Challenges of Evolving Technology

Tuesday, August 9, 3:00- 4:00 p.m.
Moderated by Jeff Cohen, Chief Counsel and Director of Government Relations, APCO International; Panelists: Mark Spross, Director, METCOM 9-1-1; Tangela Gibson, Assistant Director, Durham Emergency Communications; Renee Gordon, MBA, SHRM-CP, CPE, ENP, Director, Alexandria Department of Emergency and Customer Communications

APCO’s Chief Counsel Jeff Cohen led a discussion with a panel of 9-1-1 directors on the impact of evolving technology in the emergency communications center. The conversation examined how deployment of Next Generation 9-1-1, meaning the ability to receive, analyze, and process photos, videos, and other data, can enhance emergency response and the importance of seamless interoperability for ECCs.

The 9-1-1 directors also discussed staffing and funding challenges facing ECCs and highlighted the need for federal funding to deploy end-to-end Next Generation 9-1-1 solutions across the country.

Discussing the importance of planning for NG9-1-1, Ms. Gibson said, “Make a technology implementation plan and hold your vendors accountable.”