NCJ Number
202943
Date Published
November 2003
Length
42 pages
Annotation
This study examined the progress being made in implementing wireless E911 service, the factors that are affecting this progress, and the role of the Federal Government in facilitating the nationwide deployment of wireless E911 service.
Abstract
Telephone surveys were conducted of the State E911 contacts for 50 States and the District of Columbia. The survey contained 17 questions related to the State's progress in implementing Phase I and Phase II of E911, problems encountered, funding mechanisms in place, and the role of the State coordinator or any State offices involved in wireless E911 implementation. Surveys were completed between June 11 and September 12, 2003. In addition to the survey, data were used from the National Emergency Number Association to illustrate the progress of wireless E911 implementation as of October 2003. To obtain information on the factors that have affected wireless E911 rollouts across the country, the study selected nine States and the District of Columbia for case studies. To obtain information on current Federal actions to promote the deployment of wireless E911 services, officials at the Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Transportation were interviewed about their involvement in wireless E911 implementation. The study found that the implementation of wireless E911 is several years away in many States, suggesting the prospect of piecemeal availability of this service across the country for a number of years. Successful implementation depends on coordinated efforts by wireless carriers, local telephone companies, and more than 6,000 public safety answering points (facilities that receive 911 calls and dispatch assistance). The key factors that hinder wireless E911 implementation are funding and coordination. Federal agencies are involved in promoting wireless E911, but their authority in overseeing its deployment is limited because public safety answering points (PSAP's) traditionally are under State and local jurisdiction. The study recommends that the Department of Transportation work with State officials and public safety groups to develop data that identify which PSAP's will need to have E911 equipment upgrades. 2 figures