Vicksburg Warren 911 testing new technology

If you call 911, you might be asked to allow the operator to access your camera on your cell phone.

911 Director Shane Garrard says the agency is currently testing a program from 911 Live Eye which allows 911 operators and, in turn, first responders to see the incident you are calling about through your phone.

Garrard says he, along with company representatives, will be making a presentation to the 911 Commission on June 23 in hopes that they will support the purchase of the software. The initial costs are around $9,000  per year and just over $7,000 per year afterwards.

Garrard says the technology evolved from the military and is now being made available to the public safety sector. He said seeing incidents as they are unfolding gives first responders an advantage in deploying the correct assets in a timely manner.

Garrard went on to say in situations such as protective orders, the violators are often gone upon officers arrival. This would give a piece of evidence that would be admissible in court.

If the 911 Commissioners support the purchase,Vicksburg and Warren County would be the first in the state to have this technology.