911 Center considers new call and text system

The Flathead Emergency Communications Center Board is considering installing a new call-handling system that would give callers options when lines are busy and offers the addition of a text-to-911 service.

Board member Elizabeth Brooks said she expected the Positron system would shorten call wait times and allow callers to “self-prioritize” when put on hold, giving them the option to wait or call back later. According to Brooks, the system would also relieve busy dispatchers from having to answer administrative calls while handling emergencies.

Several board members, including Whitefish Police Chief Bill Dial, supported the additional purchase of the texting option. Dial said the service would allow people to report emergencies in areas with limited cellphone coverage.

The Federal Communications Commission has also begun supporting text-to-911 services, noting that texting during an emergency could be helpful for those who are deaf or hard of hearing, for people with a speech disability, or if a voice call to 911 might be dangerous or impossible.

Brooks estimated the cost per year at $4,000 to implement the new call service with an additional $3,000 fee for the text service option.

The board will vote on the system during their meeting in April.