NG911 research yields guidelines to create next-gen public safety answer point systems

7/20/2021 10:14:17 AM Ivan Sanchez, CIRI Communications

As more 911 systems move from analog to digital, they require upgraded processes and frameworks to take advantage of new capabilities, including text, video, and a myriad of other applications.

Dots connected with lines on a blue, purple, and pink background.A year after announcing that CIRI would lead the development of a next-generation 911 (NG911) framework and process, researchers have developed guidelines that support the establishment of a testing center for a public safety answer point (PSAP). The guidelines include vendor conformance testing, interoperability testing, and end-to-end testing throughout the ecosystem.

Funded by the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Transportation, this work will help ensure the safety and reliability of Americans’ connection to emergency services. 

Most 9-1-1 systems were developed with analog systems in mind, requiring an upgrade to take advantage of capabilities of new technology available. Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP) across the country are working to upgrade to better enable emergency call overload management, emergency 911 call transferring, and proper jurisdictional responses based on location tracking. In addition, NG911 will enable emergency responders to leverage mainstream communications such as text messages and video, which could enhance situational awareness for first responders.  

The next phase of work is currently under revision but will most likely include a beta test of the PSAP testing center guidelines. And as of now, the final report of the NG911 project is under review by sponsors of the program.