Foundation funds E911 guide

Public Technology Inc.

A new guidebook funded by the Public Safety Foundation of America provides assistance and models for local officials struggling to have Enhanced 911 solutions in place by the federal 2005 deadline.

The guide written by Public Technology Inc., a not-for-profit technology research organization, highlights many of the issues that officials are facing as more and more citizens switch from landline phones to cellular phones. The majority of cell phones still can't automatically provide 911 operators with the caller's location. Operators must have the time and knowledge to help the caller pinpoint the location.

The first section of the guide outlines the technology behind many wireless E911 systems. It also highlights the primary resources required to build such a system. The second section focuses on case studies from 13 jurisdictions, highlighting the challenges and lessons learned in the implementation process.

Officials at the E9-1-1 Institute, the Congressional E9-1-1 Caucus and the Homeland Security Department are launching a series of events to be held nationwide later this week. Those events will educate local communities about the importance of and uses for the wireless emergency service.