Fayette County plans 911 system upgrade

A proposed new 911 capability for Fayette County would allow text messaging and live video. Courtesy Carbyne

A proposed new 911 capability for Fayette County would allow text messaging and live video. Courtesy Carbyne

Fayette County plans to adopt new technology at its 911 Communications Center that will improve response capabilities.

Following the Board of Commissioners’ March 22 directive for the county attorney to draft a contract, Fayette will allocate $192,000 from its 911 Fund to implement the NG911 real-time system as part of a pilot program with the manufacturer, Carbyne. The system would allow cellphone callers to use a free app to send live video and text messages to the 911 Center, as well as provide more exact location information for responders.

A final contract will be presented to the commission for a future vote.