RGCOG 9-1-1 Emergency Communications
The RGCOG is the administrative authority for 9-1-1 emergency communications in the State’s Planning Region 8 (Hudspeth, Culberson, Jeff Davis, Presidio, and Brewster counties). RGCOG is responsible for five Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) and works directly with agencies to ensure the delivery of 9-1-1 calls to the proper PSAP. The RGCOG has fully deployed advanced 9-1-1 services for wireless callers to include text-to-9-1-1 capabilities.
Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) Platform is a secure, IP-based, open standards system consisting of hardware, software, and data. Within the NG9-1-1 infrastructure there are two primary elements: the ESINet and Next Generation Core Services (NGCS). The RGCOG’s 9-1-1 network consist of two geodiverse Host (PSAPs) and three remote (PSAPs) within the five-county region. The two Hosts are connected to the ESINet (MPLS), T-1 lines and fiber to include a via point-to-point connection. While the three remotes are connected via T-1 lines and function with either of the two Hosts. The redundant and diverse network is designed to minimize any downtime.
In the next biennium (Fiscal Year 2020-2021), the RGCOG will transition from a legacy 9-1-1 network to a network capable of supporting the growing demands of a mobile society.
Text-to-9-1-1
Within the five-county region, citizens can send a text to reach emergency call-takers from their wireless phone or devise for help. While a phone call is still the recommended way to request emergency assistance, texting provides an alternative for people with speech or hearing impairments or when speaking out loud would place the caller in danger.
When requesting emergency assistance via text, the caller should enter “911” in the “to” field, then in the body of the text include the location of the emergency and why help is needed.
Things To Remember
- 9-1-1 caller must know their exact location. Use street signs, mile markers, cross roads, and landmarks.
- Use simple language; do not use abbreviations or slang.
- 9-1-1 texting is not available by all carriers. You will receive a bounce-back message if it is not available in your area or with your wireless carrier.
- If texting to 9-1-1 does not work, please call 9-1-1 for help!
- Just like with other text messages, delays are possible, which is why it is always best to call 9-1-1 if you are able.
Geographic Information System (GIS) Mapping and Automatic Location Identification (ALI) Database
The RGCOG utilizes a GIS platform to update and maintain the Addressing Database for all unincorporated communities in the five-county region. RGCOG’s 9-1-1 GIS Coordinators work with telephone companies and post offices to obtain correct address information and eliminate errors. They maintain a master street address guide and database for each county and regularly submit updates to the State’s database provider. These updates include:
- Maintaining road centerlines and site structure address points.
- Telephone exchanges.
- Emergency service provider and jurisdictional boundaries.
ALI is the automatic display at the PSAP of the caller’s telephone number, address/location of the telephone and, in some cases, supplementary emergency services information.
9-1-1 Addressing Request
Persons needing an address are encouraged to call 915-533-0998 or 432-837-7199.
Educational Resources
RGCOG provides public education activities throughout the five-county region. Activities include:
- Educating the public on the proper use of 9-1-1 in order to obtain help in an emergency.
- When to call 9-1-1.
- How to call 9-1-1.
- What to say in case of a police, fire, and medical or poison emergency.
KARI’S LAW: Direct access to 9-1-1 service and multi-line telephone systems
For a multi-line telephone system that provides outbound dialing, Kari’s Law requires direct access to 9-1-1 service without the user having to first dial an initial number, digit, prefix or other access number or code before dialing 9-1-1. On March 1, 2016 the Commission on State Emergency Communications adopted Rule 251.16 (Direct Access to 9-1-1 Service) to implement Kari’s Law.
For more resources on Kari’s Law, please visit www.texas911.org or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilvrLNGwZ-c&feature=youtu.be