Arlington, VA Adopts RapidDeploy Radius Mapping to Improve 911 Outcomes
Arlington, VA skyline. / Credit: iStock
By Tammy Leytham
Arlington, Va., has selected RapidDeploy Radius Mapping as its 911 map to better locate residents and visitors in the area, according to a press release.
In addition to quickly locating people calling into 911, Radius Mapping adds the ability to text with language translation for non-native English speakers, according to Jacob Saur, Arlington County Emergency Communications Center administrator, in the release.
“We are excited to bring next-generation 911 technology to the citizens of Arlington, Va.,” Saur said.
Arlington County, with a population of just under 240,000, received 55,223 police calls last year, according to the department’s annual report. Its fire department’s EMS makes about 15,000 ambulance transfers each year, according to Arlington FD data.
In addition, Arlington is part of the National Capital Region, which has multiple 911 centers across two states and the District of Columbia. The DC Metro answered 754,245 911 calls in fiscal year 2022, according to its Office of Unified Communications.
Those call centers are the first line of response for emergency personnel. With Radius Mapping, 911 call takers can communicate over the phone, through 2-way text with language translation, or with streaming video.
Like Alexandria, many call centers have adopted next-generation RapidDeploy technology, enabling different 911 centers to track callers through the densely populated D.C. Metro area. This ensures callers get the care they need even if they move into different jurisdictions and cities, the release stated.
With over 80 percent of 911 calls coming from cell phones, mobile handset data provide more precise locations for first responders. It even tracks callers who are driving or walking.
“With the dense population and tourists in the city, Radius Mapping will have an immediate impact on outcomes of 911 calls,” RapidDeploy CEO/co-founder Steve Raucher said.
Radius Mapping is live in multiple 911 centers in the Washington, D.C. area, including Alexandria and Montgomery counties, with more coming before the end of the year, the release stated.
Arlington ECC has network call, mobile location, and authoritative GIS data in Radius Mapping, and will add the 2-way text and streaming video soon, the release stated.