© 2024 MICHIGAN PUBLIC
91.7 Ann Arbor/Detroit 104.1 Grand Rapids 91.3 Port Huron 89.7 Lansing 91.1 Flint
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Michigan could get enhanced 911 system

jfierst
/
MorgueFile

Michigan may be getting an enhanced 911 system. 

The system  known as Next Generation 911 could be in widespread use in the state by 2017.

Emergency dispatchers can already identify where landline and cellphone calls originate.

But Michigan's 911 administrator says changing technology is driving an upgrade of the system.

The new system would  let people send text messages, digital photos and videos in real time to alert authorities to emergencies and provide critical information to first responders.

A report from  the Michigan 911 Committee says the number of emergency calls coming from cell phones and services like Skype are rising exponentially.