New York’s emergency response network is overdue for a major overhaul, according to a state audit highlighted by Spectrum News. Despite years of planning, many counties still lack access to Next Generation 911, which enables emergency texting, video, and location sharing.
Less than half of the state’s counties currently offer basic text-to-911. Albany County, one of the few with NG911 in place, reports the system already improves emergency communication. State officials say counties are responsible for implementation, but over $500 million in support has been offered since 2010.
Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli is calling for stronger state-local coordination to modernize the system statewide.
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