For the first time ever, 81 directors and supervisors from 911 systems from across Missouri came together in a meeting Oct. 15 in Jefferson City to discuss the needs and concerns. Out of this meeting was created the “Missouri 911 Directors Association” and executive board named.
Michael Arnold of Miller County 911 presented statistics showing a significant decrease in funding every year for the past five years. “If something does not change or find a new method of funding, we don’t know how we could continue to operate. Something has to be done, now.”
Wireless calls are now the majority coming into the 911 center. In Miller County about 60 percent of the total 911 calls are wireless. Miller County is only one of many 911 centers across the state in a crisis situation with funding from landline decreasing as wireless customers increase with no statewide funding mechanism in place. Missouri is the only state in the US not collecting fees on wireless for 911.
Donna Robertson, executive director for Wri-Tex 911, says additional funding is needed. “We too are funded by only land lines as of right now. Many people don’t know that by getting rid of land lines it is causing revenues for 911 centers to drop. Some to the point they don’t know how much longer they can keep going,” she said.
There are still counties in Missouri without 911, and there are even more counties without Phase II, which means, when you call 911 from your cell phone the 911 dispatcher does not have the technology to locate you. The fact is, 911 in Missouri is hit and miss. If you’re traveling through Missouri and have a crisis situation you may or may not get a well-trained 911 dispatcher with up-to-date technology.
For several years there have been attempts to get legislation passed with no success. “We are trying to get this passed before a name gets added to the bill,” said Paul Anderson, manager of East Central Dispatch. “Meaning we don’t want someone to lose their life before lawmakers recognize there is a real problem with 911 in Missouri.”
Collecting a minimal fee for 911 service from wireless and VOIP customers would not only create funding for updated technology and training, but also, secure the future of 911 in Missouri with next generation technology coming to the forefront.
A plan of action was presented to the group by Lisa Schlottach, operations manager of Gasconade County E-911. The plan included the need for support from 911 directors across the state, from the Missouri Chapters of APCO (Association of Public Communications Officials) and NENA (National Emergency Numbering Association), as well as the Missouri Department of Public Safety. Among other things planned are creation of a 911 directors association, creation of committees and launching the writing of legislation and meeting with wireless carriers.