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New York City Council Member Laurie A. Cumbo delivers remarks on her bill, Next Generation 911, at a press conference in the Red Room. (Photo: William Alatriste/New York City Council)
NEW YORK, NY
- Today, in a vote of 49 to 0, the New York City Council passed Intro 868, a bill sponsored by Council Members Laurie A. Cumbo, chair of the Committee on Women's Issues, Mark Levine and Vanessa Gibson that would require the Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications ("DoITT") to create a plan that would allow the public to send digital communications including text messages, videos, and photographs directly to emergency responders using the City's 911 system.
"From mass shootings and acts of terrorism to the rise in violence against women, we live in a tumultuous climate that requires the adaptation of text to 911 capabilities within the City of New York. With more than 8.4 million residents, our city is one of the largest municipalities in the United States that does not have an emergency communications system in place that would allow citizens to seek assistance by sending text messages, photos, and videos to 911 operators and police dispatchers without endangering their lives by alarming the perpetrator(s) of a crime. The passage of Intro 868 ensures that New Yorkers in dire situations will be served more effectively through the use of smart technology to create a safer and more connected city.
Additionally, this bill would help expand our capacity to better communicate with youth, LGBTQ, legal and undocumented immigrants, the Deaf, speech-impaired, and mute communities.
I look forward to working with the Administration, NYPD, and DoITT towards the implementation of a 21st century emergency communications system within the City of New York," said Council Member Laurie A. Cumbo, chair of the Committee on Women's Issues and co-chair of the Women's Caucus.
"All New Yorkers should have every available tool to seek the help they need in an emergency," said Council Member Mark Levine. "From Honolulu to Indianapolis to Houston, more jurisdictions across the countries are adding this technology to their emergency communication systems. I am thrilled that New York is joining this growing movement today to strengthen public safety for all New Yorkers, and establish a truly modern emergency communications system.
"Today we take the next step in integrating 21st Century technology to our current emergency services system. Text to 911 isn't a new concept, but rather it gives us an opportunity to enhance emergency services for New Yorkers most in need," said Public Safety Chair Vanessa L. Gibson. "Texting has become a dominant form of communication and devising a system to provide New Yorkers the opportunity to text or send images in an emergency will expand our ability to provide real help, in real time, when its needed most. I thank my fellow bill sponsors Council Members Laurie Cumbo and Mark Levine for spearheading this effort, DoITT for their partnership in embracing new emergency services technology, and Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito for her continued commitment to the safety of all New Yorkers."
The bill, introduced in August 2015, would require the Commissioner of Information Technology and Telecommunications to issue an annual report on the implementation of Next Generation 911. The Administration and a broad coalition of advocates have expressed their support for the legislation, which would provide survivors of domestic violence, the Deaf, youth, and members of the LGBTQ community with a safer way to reach emergency services providers.
In 2015, the City of New York logged more than 10 million calls to its 911 emergency call center. The majority or 70 percent were placed by cell phones. Unfortunately, it does not reflect the challenges faced by New Yorkers unable to make voice calls - due to disability or immediate danger - leading to significant delays in receiving emergency help. DoITT later released a Request for Information (RFI) to assess a full range of options on the path to implementation.
Currently, there are at least eight counties in New York State with 911 call centers equipped to handle emergencies digitally. It is estimated that by 2018, almost 85 percent of Americans will have smartphones - signaling our growing dependence on modern technology and swift communication.
"We should be doing everything possible to increase the safety of all of our NYC communities," said Tracy Hobson, Executive Director of The Center for Anti-Violence Education. I'm so thankful for the leadership of Council Members Laurie Cumbo, Mark Levine and Vanessa Gibson in advocating for Next Generation 911 Legislation which will provide the communities we serve, and who are especially at risk of violence - survivors of domestic violence, youth, and members of LGBTQ communities - with a safer way to reach emergency service providers."
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