Broward County Enhances Public Safety with Automated Call-Back Feature in E-911 System Upgrade

Broward County has stepped up its commitment to public safety with the latest upgrade to its E-911 system. The Office of Regional Communications and Technology announced the implementation of a new feature in the VIPER 7 call-handling system, designed to automatically call back anyone who hangs up after dialing 9-1-1. This move aims to ensure that no emergency call is missed and increase the efficiency of operators by allowing them to focus on active calls.

In a statement obtained by the official Broward County news release, the improved system strives to prevent potential emergencies from being overlooked. Mayor Beam Furr emphasized, stating, "We're always adapting and implementing new technologies to improve emergency communications which is a priority of the Commission and certainly all residents and visitors alike." The automated call-back feature has been added to VIPER 7, which significantly enhances Broward's ability to respond to lost calls.

Broward County's Regional Public Safety Communications system, which serves 27 of the county's 31 municipalities, is responsible for the management of the infrastructure needed to operate the E-911 call centers. A formal agreement has the Broward Sheriff's Office provide the necessary call-takers and dispatchers. Commissioner Michael Udine highlighted the importance of the system in emergencies, "In any emergency, every second counts. The Viper 7 technology and the Automated Abandoned Call-Back feature are about saving lives. This latest upgrade reflects our proactive approach to public safety.  Innovation changes constantly and we will continue to advance our E-911 system as technology gets better and better," as noted by the county's official website.

Specifically designed to handle about 192,000 emergency calls per month, the consolidated dispatch centers of Broward County are gearing up for further improvements. Staff in non-regional centers in Plantation and Coral Springs are undergoing training for the use of the Viper 7 system, and after completing this enhancement will be implemented consistently across the entire County, as mentioned in the upgraded feature aimed to respond to lost calls.