AAC
GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
This graphic shows how a 9-1-1 call is routed through the system. Source: Based on GAO analysis of public safety industry documents. GAO-18252
Where we stand with 9-1-1 reform Story by Josh CURTIS AAC Governmental Affairs Director
& Blake Gary
T
AAC Law Clerk
wo years ago, County Lines magazine published an article on the current environment of Arkansas’s 9-1-1 system and the need to perform a study that outlines the inefficiencies and provide solutions to move toward Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG911). The article highlighted many deficiencies the current system faces. For example, in 2015, the 65-cent user fee levied on cell phones each month generated $18,957,120.76, and the revenue generated from wireline phones totaled $7,390,852.52. While this sounds like a lot of money, the counties and cities had to supplement an additional $20,821,055.76 to provide minimal 9-1-1 services. During the 2017 legislative session, two bills were passed regarding Arkansas’ 9-1-1 systems. First, a moratorium on public safety answering points (PSAPs) was passed to restrict the creation of any new PSAPs until July 1, 2020. Second, the legislature enacted Act 785, which appropriated $200,000 to the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM). Special language was included in the Act to give ADEM the authority to accept funds from non-state entities for expenses 16
of evaluating and studying 9-1-1 and emergency communication. The Association of Arkansas Counties (AAC) and Arkansas Municipal League(ARML) were prepared to allocate $50,000 for the purpose of conducting a study on Arkansas’ 9-1-1 system. However, ADEM Director A.J. Gary was able to touch base with the Office of Emergency Communications (OEC), a sub-department of the Department of Homeland Security, to come to Arkansas and conduct a professional study for free. On Nov. 13-14, 2017, a group of 911 stakeholders consisting of a county judge, a city manager, law enforcement, 911 telecommunicators, Office of Emergency Management directors, ADEM, and AAC met at ADEM for a two-day workshop with the OEC consultants. The idea of the workshop was to discuss current 9-1-1 problems in Arkansas and develop an Arkansas State 9-1-1 plan containing solutions to make the system more efficient. During this workshop, the stakeholders developed a series of goals to accomplish throughout the following months to find efficiencies and, most importantly, find a way for Arkansas to get to the next generation technology (NG911). From November to April of 2017, the stakeholders held bimonthly conference calls to keep everyone updated on the progress made and continued to receive input for the Arkansas State 9-1-1 plan. Finally, on April 16, 2017, the stakeholders met again at ADEM to finalize the plan. The plan includes four main pillars for 9-1-1 transformation. COUNTY LINES, FALL 2018
