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Officials to remove Smart911 link after tests show it does not function locally
Summary
Fire and police officials found that Smart911 sign-up listed on the town website does not generate usable information for local dispatch because the county 911 center is not participating; staff said they will pull the listing and follow up with the county and vendor.
Town public-safety officials told the committee on Feb. 5 that the Smart911 service linked from the town website is not functioning for much of the town because the county emergency center (UCCC) is not a participating 911 partner.
Chief Anna told the committee that a resident who had registered information through Smart911 expected first responders to receive a ‘‘screen pop’’ with details but the department's tests produced no usable information for local dispatch. She said the program appeared to be available only in some ZIP codes and that text or calls could be routed outside the town’s dispatch center.
"It doesn't actually work in our area," Chief Anna said, recounting a test in which no additional information appeared for the local dispatch supervisor. Officials said they will remove the Smart911 link from the police-department page until the town confirms the county's participation and the vendor's configuration.
As an interim alternative, Chief Twitty noted residents can call the UCCC nonemergency number and request that staff manually enter relevant residence information into the bolo screen. The committee asked staff to follow up with county dispatch and vendor representatives and to advise the council on whether to restore the link after verification.
The committee did not pass any ordinance or resolution at the meeting on this item; members said they would pursue a technical fix or clearer website guidance.
