With text-to-911 system, Maryland takes first step toward digital emergency communications

The state has funded a two-year contract for a local company to shift Maryland into the digital era.

Yet another public safety jurisdiction is advancing its emergency communications technology with an announcement Wednesday by the office of Gov. Larry Hogan that Maryland has approved a contract for a text-to-911 system.

The system being developed would, according to the state, replace 1960s-era analog communications infrastructure. While text-to-911 systems are not promoted by public safety experts as an outright replacement for emergency telephone systems, they offer an alternative means of contact, expand accessibility to those with speaking or hearing disabilities and lay the digital groundwork for future upgrades that many public safety leaders say are long overdue.

Hogan labeled the upgrade "vital" as he praised the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services for advancing work on the project.

More