Edinburg Police Unveil Advanced 911 Technology Enhancing Emergency Response

Staff Report

Edinburg, Texas — The Edinburg Police Department has launched new 911 technology aimed at improving emergency responses and communication with the public. In collaboration with RGV911, the department has equipped dispatchers with video-calling and multilingual text-translation tools.

The video-calling feature enables dispatchers to access live footage from callers’ cameras during emergencies. This allows telecommunicators to gather critical visual details that can help officers better assess situations before arriving at the scene. The feature is particularly beneficial for individuals with speech or hearing impairments who may struggle to describe an emergency verbally.

The department has also introduced advanced texting capabilities that support communication in 31 languages. Residents can text 911 in their preferred language, with messages automatically translated into English for dispatchers. Replies from dispatchers are translated back into the resident’s language, streamlining communication and eliminating delays caused by third-party translation services.

“This technology will not only enhance response times but also improve access for all members of our community,” the Edinburg Police Department stated.

The upgrades reflect Edinburg PD’s commitment to leveraging innovative tools to create a safer and more inclusive city.

Source: Edinburg Police Department