COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. — The Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) has announced a new pilot program for its 911 call center.
“We’re trying to lead the way,” said communications operations manager Amy Tuff.
The sheriff’s office has begun active use of the technology “Citizen Input” alongside its’ partnership with tech company Motorola.
According to CCSO staff, Collier County is one of the few law enforcement agencies that has the ability to utilize this new software.
“Now we are able to get pictures and video footage of our callers, wherever they might be in the county. Then we can directly download and share that information with the deputies and first responders,” added Tuff.
In order to utilize the new service, a caller must tell dispatch they have photos or videos to share they believe are in the interest of law enforcement.
On the cell phone you contacted 911, you will receive a link. There, the photos and videos can be shared.
“The caller can tell the dispatcher that they have this footage or media they want to share and immediately send it to first responders. That’s going to help not only on response times but also the deputies when they go to the calls; they know what they are looking for,” said Tuff.
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The service also enables callers to live stream video while in contact with dispatch. The sheriff’s office said that specific feature can serve as extremely useful.
“A big thing that comes to mind is missing persons, or in our area, lost hikers, missing boaters, because we have a lot of outdoor activities,” said Tuff.
The Citizen Suite service is active right now. Photo and video sharing is accessible both via 911 and the Collier County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number.
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