Washington County Launches NG911 Initiative

Washington County today announced a multi-phase plan to implement a countywide Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG911) system.

The initiative will be completed in two phases. Phase one will include a countywide address update to improve location accuracy services for emergency responders, and phase two will implement NG911 technology.

Maryland’s 9-1-1 system has performed admirably for decades. However, new data-rich communications devices and services are driving the existing 9-1-1 infrastructure toward its operational limits. The vision of an NG911 system is to enable the public to make voice, text, or video calls from any communications device via Internet Protocol-based networks. These capabilities can make public safety both more effective and more responsive.

A 2019 MACo Legislative Initiative updated state laws, and the 9-1-1 financing system to provide the flexibility and resources needed for the deployment of a statewide NG911 system that our residents expect and deserve.

The Commission to Advance Next Generation 9-1-1 Across Maryland, a 2018 MACo Legislative Initiative, submitted its first report to the Governor and General Assembly in December of 2018. The report included recommendations for the implementation, technology, funding, governance, and ongoing statewide development of NG911.

The Commission submitted its 2019 report to the Governor and General Assembly last December. The report includes a number of recommendations to ensure a smooth transition to NG911.

Washington County will hold informational meetings to inform residents about the plan and answer questions about the timeline for implementation.

To learn more about NextGen911 in Washington County, please watch this video: