Government Technology
Emergency Management: news and solutions about emergency planning, response and disaster recovery
Advertise in the
October Case Study Issue »

Ohio 9-1-1 System Facing Critical Funding Challenges, Says Report



Print
Comment

May 7, 2008, News Report

Found in: Public Safety / Justice / Homeland Security

On Wednesday, May 14th, 9-1-1 officials representing counties throughout Ohio, members of the 9-1-1 Industry Alliance (9IA), and Ohio State Reps. Larry Flowers and Steven Driehauswill detail the findings of a national report on the health of 9-1-1, noting a "critical lack of funding" is compromising the safety of Ohioans.

The report, compiled by ColoComm Group, LLC, an independent research group widely recognized by federal and congressional groups as an expert in public safety, concluded a critical lack of funding has resulted in a gap between the types of communications devices people use and those able to fully benefit from access to 9-1-1 services.

In Ohio, funding issues have hindered the state from completing the transition to Phase II wireless -- the ability to automatically pinpoint the location of a wireless 9-1-1 caller -- and is preventing those upgrades needed to support newer communications technologies and more robust life saving applications.

"The health of Ohio's 9-1-1 system is already marginal and without funding experts say it will be terminal," said Flowers, who along with Driehaus, is introducing House Bill 550 to continue funding for wireless 9-1-1. "Currently, if you call 9-1-1 from a cell phone, the technology needed to find you may not be in place. If funding is not secured, how many Ohioans are being put at risk?"

The legislation would seek to extend the "Sunset" provision for an additional three years. If House Bill 550 is not passed, Ohio's wireless E9-1-1 funding source will expire on December 31, 2008 -- compromising the safety of Ohioans by making it more difficult for emergency responders to locate them in an emergency. Currently, Ohio is one of the few states in the nation that does not have a permanent funding method to handle the public's wireless calls to 9-1-1.

"If we don't have a steady, dependable funding stream in place for 9-1-1, we certainly can't address today's wireless 9-1-1 challenges, let alone implement a long-term plan to support 9-1-1 for emerging technologies like text messaging," said Bill Hinkle, chairman of Ohio's 9-1-1 Council. "By securing funding now, Ohio has the opportunity to be the bellwether for other states to follow when assessing the health of their 9-1-1 system."

If You Liked This Article, You May Also Like...

Related Products and Services

Latest News in Public Safety / Justice / Homeland Security


Latest Government Technology News


Industry Solutions for Government

Read real world deployments of technology in government from our sponsors.

View All Industry Solutions

Marketplace



This section
brought to you by:


Dispatch Operations and
Interoperability Survey

Geographic terrain, an overloaded infrastructure and outdated technologies put into question a jurisdiction's level of optimal interoperability in an emergency situation. Emergency Management would like to understand the problem as it relates to dispatch centers ability to communicate with first responders effectively. Click Here to take the survey

Dispatch Operations and Interoperability

Case Study - Morris County, New Jersey The Morris County Communications Center upgraded to a new trunked radio system with the benefits of a cellular network, extending coverage beyond county lines


Case Study - Iredell County, North Carolina Spanning over 570 sq miles, it became imperative that the Iredell County Emergency Communications, Operations and Management extend it's communications systems to enhance reliability, security, and coverage.


Case Study - City of Anaheim, California The City of Anaheim saw an opportunity to leverage existing GST and partner with nearby cities to enhance safety operations through data interoperability.


Case Study - Charlottesville, Virginia Fire Department Taking advantage of a range of interoperability solution, the Charlottesville Fire Department has achieved a network that can serve as backup to their existing public safety network.


Sprint ERT Go-Kit with GST Optima Rapid, interoperable communications for emergencies, drills and field exercises.


Optimal Interoperability Until recently it was not possible to cost effectively connect commercial networks to LMR systems. Improvements in communications technology have resulted in greatly enhanced operational capability and have reduced the log-term cost of communications system ownership.


Video


DHS Grant Links

DHS Grants and Assistance Programs Link to overview of available grants administered by The Department of Homeland Security (DHS)


Fact Sheet: Fiscal Year 2008 Preparedness Grants Major changes in funding and focus for 2008 DHS grant programs


Remarks on 2008 Homeland Security Grant Guidance DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff and FEMA Administrator David Paulison


DHS FY 2008 Infrastructure Protection Activities An overview, released May 16, 2008.


2008 Infrastructure Protection Activities Funding Awarded by the DHS


Funding Resources for Your Community's Communications Project


Yes! I would like more information about Sprint's dispatch operations and interoperability solutions.