Arkansas gets new 911 system that can increase info about callers

It's called Smart 911.

June 05, 2012|by Sara Forhetz, KY3 News | sforhetz@ky3.com

HARRISON, Ark. -- A new 911 system aims to cut response times and "help" emergency responders know what they face. It's called Smart 911, and Arkansas is the first state to use it statewide, although some cities have implemented it.

Lila Williams has been dispatching since she was a teenager. Her latest stop is here in Boone County.

"I dispatch for domestics, thefts, break-ins, things like that," Williams said.

She knows first hand the more information, the better, when seconds count.

"We just want to send them where they need to go," she said.

She knows little information now about people who call into 911. Soon, however, she'll know much more -- anything from the layout of a house down to the pets' names.

"You have to depend on the caller to give you an address, how to get to them and the info you need," she said. "Smart 911 would help us to be able to do our jobs better."

Smart 911 lets all Arkansas residents type in everything they would want emergency crews to know. It's optional and, so far, only being used statewide in the Natural State.

"It's law enforcement and fire and EMS' best friend is what it is," said Boone County Sheriff Danny Hickman.

Citizens can log onto Smart 911.com and enter their information. Then, what you've entered will pop up for dispatchers to see -- if ever you have an emergency.

"It will bring up their info on our screen to where we can dispatch a deputy," Williams said.

Williams says the majority of her calls right now are worst-case scenarios because they come in from a cell phone, and, even if you are standing in her parking lot, she has no idea where you are. Smart 911 is changing that.

"We can see pictures, medical history, everything you want to put in," said Hickman.

Privacy, is a concern, of course but Hickman says the statewide system can only be accessed when you dial 911.

"I can only stress that this is good info and it's only used in an emergency," said Hickman.

The information is only accessible for 45 minutes after a person calls 911. Then it closes down and cannot be searched again unless the person calls in again.

The set-up cost the state about $1 million.

You can set up your profile now at Smart911.com.

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