The Code of Virginia (§2.2-2031) establishes that the PSC Division “shall provide staff support to the 9-1-1 Services Board and encourage, promote, and assist in the development and deployment of statewide enhanced emergency telecommunications systems.”
The 9-1-1 Services Board is leading Virginia’s efforts to transform an outdated 9-1-1 system into a digital network that is faster, more efficient and has greater Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP) capabilities to better serve its citizens and visitors for years to come. As a result, Virginia continues to be a nationally recognized leader in 9-1-1. Throughout FY 2017, the Board has had a number of accomplishments, the majority of which directly support the implementation of NG9-1-1. Here is a list of these accomplishments:
- Development of an Next Generation (NG) 9-1-1 cost model
- Completion of an NG9-1-1 staffing analysis
- Creation of best practices and standards
- Identification of budgetary data for PSAP standard capabilities and services
- Deployment statewide of the Emergency Call Tracking System (ECaTS) reporting tool
- Refocusing of PSAP Grant Program to help fund NG9-1-1 deployment
- Continued commitment to the statewide deployment of Text to 9-1-1
The Board is well positioned to address new and coming challenges to the 9-1-1 ecosystem in Virginia.