Lexington has transitioned its Enhanced 911 Center to Next Generation 911, becoming the 23rd center in Kentucky to make the switch. Amy Hess, the executive director of Kentucky’s Office of Homeland Security, was in Lexington for the transition. “Essentially, we can get the right calls to the right places in the right time in order to save lives,” Hess said.

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The new infrastructure is digital and IP-based, replacing the old copper wire and analog systems. The upgrade was funded through a combination of a $5 million legislative appropriation and state 911 surcharge fees. The digital system includes sharper mapping and the ability to receive texts, videos, and photos from callers.

Centers that have already made the switch are reporting improvements in how emergency services respond. “They’re reporting fewer spoofed calls. They’re reporting higher quality of calls, and they’re reporting really better location accuracy,” Hess said. Every 911 center in Kentucky is expected to complete the transition by 2027.

Original reporting: WTVQ (Lexington) — read the source article.