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911 and 311 Industry News

Sunday, May 25, 2025

Florida getting tougher on people who make bogus 911 calls

Evan Axelbank / FOX13 News

May 23, 2025

TAMPA - The State of Florida is getting even tougher on people making bogus 911 calls.

The governor signed legislation this week that cracks down on the practice of "swatting," where a caller makes a call to law enforcement, getting them to respond as if there is someone in immediate danger.

Hancock Co. 911 dispatcher helps deliver baby over the phone

Brenna Nye / 13ABC News

May 23, 2025

HANCOCK CO., Ohio (WTVG) - A 911 call takes a heartwarming turn. A local dispatcher becomes a lifeline in labor, coaching a new mom through delivery.

Like all first responders, Jenna Huffman said she didn’t do this for recognition, but rather just to be there and help someone in their time of need. And for Huffman, May 6 was just another day.

First responders urge Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds to veto bill that would allow state to request reimbursement from local 911 boards

Erin Murphy / The Gazette

May 26, 2025

A policy provision inserted into a budget bill in the 11th hour of the legislative session could have ‘unintended consequences,’ opponents argue

Baltimore to launch AI-enhanced 911 system during Artscape festival

Staff / CBS News

May 23, 2025

Baltimore City police are rolling out a new artificial intelligence-powered tool aimed at improving safety.

911 dispatchers respond to work hours, overtime proposal: ‘We are like zombies’

Victoria Frazier and Emily Beier / MSN News

May 22, 2025

BROWN COUNTY, Wis. (WBAY) - The Brown County Board of Supervisors heard from 911 dispatch callers Wednesday night on concerns about a proposed overtime policy.

The county currently has 20 vacancies for dispatch positions -- up from 15 in March -- and despite past efforts to attract new dispatchers, including increasing pay back in 2023, the staffing issue remains.

Solve SF app linked to city's 311 may shut down after 5 months

NBC Bay Area Staff / NBC Bay Area

May 27, 2025

The maker of a popular app that allows people to report fixable problems in San Francisco has been warned about an imminent shutdown.

The app, called Solve SF, is linked to the city's official 311 service, and while it seems to be successful since its January inception, the city administrator's office says changes to the 311 service will make it unaffordable to staff and maintain the old API.

His complaint app functions better than 311. The city is about to kill it

Garrett Leahy / The San Francisco Standard

May 26, 2025

Complaining to the city has never been easier, thanks to Patrick McCabe.

The electrical engineer’s Solve SF app lets users file 311 reports about issues like graffiti or sidewalk poop in as little as 10 seconds, roughly five times faster than the city’s official app. It’s McCabe’s passion project, it’s free to use, and has been boosted online by the political organization GrowSF.

Las Vegas grand jury hears potential case against police officer who killed 911 caller

Vanessa Murphy / CBS8 News Now

May 27, 2025

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Prosecutors introduced evidence to a Clark County grand jury in a potential case against a police officer who shot and killed a homeowner, the 8 News Now Investigators have learned. Sources said grand jury proceedings began and are expected to continue.

Florida’s summer season brings spike in drowning 911 calls

Jordan Mead / Spectrum News 13

May 27, 2025

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — With summer vacation season arriving to Central Florida, first responders say this is the time of year where they see a heightened number of 911 calls relating to drowning coming from vacation homes, Airbnb’s, and other tourist areas where lifeguards are not on duty.

Registration period opens for Houghton County Camp 911

Colin Jackson / Upper Michigan’s Source

May 27, 2025

CALUMET, Mich. (WLUC) - Incoming sixth graders will have the chance to learn about safety and emergencies at a free annual event this summer.

Registration for Houghton County’s Camp 911 is now open. The two-day safety camp returned last summer after a six-year hiatus. Incoming sixth graders of Houghton and Keweenaw counties will get the chance to learn all about safety and first responders. Activities range from live demonstrations to CPR and bleed-stopping training.

911 call from when 12-year-old was shot on Memorial Day says it was accidental

Jenilee Borek / Dayton 24/7 Now

May 27, 2025

DAYTON, Ohio (WKEF) -- The 911 call that was made after a 12-year-old was shot on Memorial Day in Dayton alleges that it was an accident. The Dayton Police Department (DPD) said officers were called to the 900 block of Riverview Terrace just after 12:20 p.m. on Monday, May 26.

Iowa Bill Would Allow State to Ask Local 911s for Reimbursement

Erin Murphy / GovTech

May 27, 2025

First responder groups are urging Gov. Kim Reynolds to veto the bill, under which the state Homeland Security and Emergency Management could request reimbursement from local 911 service boards for "reasonable costs" related to call traffic to public safety answering points.

Fire chief, owner of burning camper unable to reach 911; Cellcom says system was intact

Scott Hurley & Tony Langfellow / FOX11 News

May 27, 2025

DOOR COUNTY (WLUK) -- A fire in which five calls to 911 could not be connected is raising more questions about the recent Cellcom outage.

Southern Door Fire Chief Richard Olson tells FOX 11 a camper started on fire around midnight on Highway J, near Algoma in the town of Clay Banks.

Mayor Scott announces CitiStat, 311 overhaul to improve Baltimore City services

William Carter / WBAL News

May 28, 2025

On Tuesday, Mayor Brandon Scott announced two major reforms aimed at making Baltimore’s city government more transparent, responsive, and effective.

The initiatives, a refreshed CitiStat performance management program and a reimagined 311 service request system, represent a renewed commitment to using data, technology, and resident feedback to improve city services and strengthen accountability.

Solve SF app linked to city's 311 may shut down after 5 months

NBC Bay Area Staff / MSN News

May 27, 2025

The maker of a popular app that allows people to report fixable problems in San Francisco has been warned about an imminent shutdown.

The app, called Solve SF, is linked to the city’s official 311 service, and while it seems to be successful since its January inception, the city administrator’s office says changes to the 311 service will make it unaffordable to staff and maintain the old API.

Catoosa Launches New 911 Center to Improve Emergency Response

Zachary Sabel / NewsOn6

May 29, 2025

CATOOSA, Okla. - Starting at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 4, all emergency and non-emergency calls within the Catoosa city limits and fire district will be routed through the city's new 911 Communications Center.

The change marks the end of a 28-year partnership with Tulsa County’s dispatch service and ushers in a new era of localized, high-tech emergency communications aimed at reducing response times and improving service.

Could Cleveland fly drones to 911 calls? City explores deploying drones for fire and EMS emergencies

Sean McDonnell / Cleveland

May 29, 2025

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Today, firefighters and paramedics race to the scene when someone dials 911. But in the not-so-distant future, Cleveland’s first responders may be deployed alongside — or even after — drones fly to the scene.

Cleveland is exploring the idea, and city officials are asking technology firms to pitch proposals for a “Drone as First Responder” program through a request for qualifications.

Camp 911 for Seniors helps prepare for emergency situations

Griffin Weinberg / Upper Michigan Source

May 28, 2025

BARAGA, Mich. (WLUC) - Summer camp is fun.

You make new friends. Learn from counselors. And sometimes play with dogs.

Summer camp for seniors is a little different.

“I’m the youngest one in my building, so everybody runs to me,” said camp attendee Barbara St. John. “I need to learn more.”