King County E-911 Program Updates

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E-911 Updates

April  |  2019

In an emergency, always try to call 9-1-1 first, But don't call just to test it.

 

Ben

Program Manager Update

We welcomed 2019 with the expectation of a busy and productive year.  Our 911 modernization initiatives are off and running:  the enterprise-wide mapping system RFP has been published; the RFP for a consultant to aid in requirements gathering and design for the new call taking platform is about to hit the street; we are fine tuning the final details for the purchase of a new cloud-based call reporting system.

Of course, all of these necessary projects must be balanced against our requirements for fiscal sustainability. 

Our transition to KCIT has provided additional resources and processes, strengthening our work products.  We appreciate all the support these teams have given us as we continue to work on intricate projects.  The bar is set high and we are confident, collectively we will rise to the challenge. 


Regional E-911 Strategic Plan Update

Efforts continue to identify financial savings.  A Regional Advisory Governing Board (RAGB) Financial Work Group has been formed to consider a ten year financial sustainability plan.  There are three major areas of focus for this work group. 

First, review and understand the existing distribution formula and then develop a fair, balanced and efficient way of fund allocations going forward. 

Second, be responsible for developing detailed plans and insightful recommendations that identify cost drivers and process efficiencies, thereby creating a set of cost-effective solutions that balance the impact between the Program Office and the PSAPs. 

Third, collaboratively engage in a process to provide insight to the 2021/2022 biennium budget cycle.


Outreach Strategy Development

The E-911 Program Outreach Strategy for Public Education and PSAP Training opportunities is now in Phase II of draft review.  PSAP public education and training specialists will assist in putting the finishing touches on the plan, closing gaps and ensuring all elements are clearly defined.  Once complete, the real work begins creating a stronger and comprehensive program to educate the community on 9-1-1 and provide relevant training for the PSAPs.


award

The E-911 Program Office was recently recognized for several achievement awards. 

The King County Strategic Advisory Council awarded the 2019 Technology Achievement Award to the Text to 9-1-1 Project for making it easier and more convenient for members of the community to use this advanced live-saving technology, greatly increasing overall accessibility to emergency services and improving public safety.  

The Public Relations Society of America awarded the Public Service Award and the Multi-cultural Public Relations Award for the “Emery’s 9-1-1 Educational Toolbox” program, launched in 2018 to further educate King County’s youngest residents and their caregivers on proper use of 9-1-1 by empowering community-based organizations to educate their students with materials that culturally resonate.


State Capital

Legislative Efforts

The E-911 Program office has worked closely with the King County Executive’s Office to ensure accuracy of several proposed bills and budgets.  They are currently monitoring ESSB 5272, increasing the maximum tax rate for the voter-approved local sales tax for emergency communication systems and facilities (amending RCW 82.14.420).  They are also monitoring  the House and Senate budgets to ensure minimal impacts to the State 911 fund and the E-911 Program.

In Congress, the E-911 Program Office is supportive of the Telecommunicator Classification change (H.R.1629) introduced by Representative Torres of California.  This bill requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to review and make certain revisions to the Standard Occupational Classification System. 

Classifying public safety Telecommunicators as Protective Service Occupations would correct an inaccurate representation in the Standard Occupational Classification, recognize these professionals for the lifesaving work they perform, and better align the Standard Occupational Classification with related classification systems.  

This Act may be cited as the “Supporting Accurate Views of Emergency Services Act of 2019” or the “911 SAVES Act”. 


tech talk

Do you remember your first cell phone?  Could you have imagined there would come a time when the phone in your pocket would become so important, you would turn off your home phone.  Time marched on and now, we rarely use our cell phone to make a call.  Instead we text. 

It is not surprising the 9-1-1 call volumes reflect our changing technology choices.  Each change in technology requires the implementation of new or updated 9-1-1 infrastructure.  We can only imagine what this will look like in 2025.

text data

Remember:  Call if you can -Text if you can't


King County E-911 Mission Statement

The regional E-911 system provides an emergency communications link between the people of King County and appropriate public safety responders.