City of Gadsden launches new 911 feature to assist callers and first responders

GADSDEN, Ala. ( WIAT ) — The City of Gadsden has launched a new text-based 911 feature to assist callers and first responders.

If you call the city of Gadsden’s 911 dispatch center, you’ll now have the option to stream live video straight from your cell phone.

Callers can allow dispatchers to use Prepared Assist by clicking on a link that enables the program. The link’s permission ends with the phone call.

The new technology is being made available at no charge to the city of Gadsden by the state’s 911 board. It’s anticipated to be helpful to users with hearing or speech impairments:

“It will shave off several minutes of help and response,” Liz Lampe, the Dispatch Supervisor for the Gadsden Police Department, said. “Initially they had to dial a language line, and the operator of the language line reached out to us so they can text us directly.”

The new feature also allows users to darken their screens if they don’t want anyone to know they’re calling 911.

Sgt. Dusty Ford says this is a game changer, especially when it comes to responding to calls involving domestic violence.

“Being able to know ahead of time what you’re walking into again now we’ll have first-hand knowledge of what’s going on on scene,” Ford said. “That’s going to help our guys to be able to respond well.”

We reached out to the company and learned that the technology is also being used by the Etowah County 911 Center, as well as Jefferson and Shelby counties.

Last year, Prepared Assist announced a partnership with the Alabama State 911 Board to make its technology available statewide.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.