Slow Start to Smart 911 Program
By: Lauren Trager for KNWA News
Updated: November 28, 2012
The state has shelled out a million dollars so far for a revolutionary 911 system.
But even though organizers say it could save lives, not very many people are using Smart 911.
You create a profile online, upload pictures, and plug in as much or as little information as you want. You can provide any detail about you so dispatchers can see it immediately in an emergency.
One success story being touted by organizers: A missing child in Pulaski County was located quickly in October, thanks to the Smart 911 system.
"It's phenomenal what the product can do, it's just getting people to sign up," said Gary Gray, a leader in 911 services in the state.
That task, though, has proved difficult. So far, only 13,000 people in the state have signed up. The goal: 1.5 million.
"I want us at 50% of all Arkansans to have a profile," Gray said.
Some say they simply haven't heard of it.
"A little bit about it, but I didn't know much about it," said Libby Smith.
Some people worry that the information they are logging into the system could be seen by more people than just the dispatchers.
"You never know what the powers that be might do with your information," said a man who identified himself as Rodney.
Organizers, though, assure the system is safeguarded. They and others say privacy is important, but ultimately more so: people's protection.
"For a lot of us, it could be a godsend if something happened." said Smith.
There's another big hurdle to the program. this year's funding came from a state fund of unclaimed property. It's unclear where next year's funds for subscription to the service would come from. there's a chance local communities could foot the bill. Some leaders say they'd do whatever it takes to raise the money for the potentially life-saving system.
To learn more about the system, click here.
But even though organizers say it could save lives, not very many people are using Smart 911.
You create a profile online, upload pictures, and plug in as much or as little information as you want. You can provide any detail about you so dispatchers can see it immediately in an emergency.
One success story being touted by organizers: A missing child in Pulaski County was located quickly in October, thanks to the Smart 911 system.
"It's phenomenal what the product can do, it's just getting people to sign up," said Gary Gray, a leader in 911 services in the state.
That task, though, has proved difficult. So far, only 13,000 people in the state have signed up. The goal: 1.5 million.
"I want us at 50% of all Arkansans to have a profile," Gray said.
Some say they simply haven't heard of it.
"A little bit about it, but I didn't know much about it," said Libby Smith.
Some people worry that the information they are logging into the system could be seen by more people than just the dispatchers.
"You never know what the powers that be might do with your information," said a man who identified himself as Rodney.
Organizers, though, assure the system is safeguarded. They and others say privacy is important, but ultimately more so: people's protection.
"For a lot of us, it could be a godsend if something happened." said Smith.
There's another big hurdle to the program. this year's funding came from a state fund of unclaimed property. It's unclear where next year's funds for subscription to the service would come from. there's a chance local communities could foot the bill. Some leaders say they'd do whatever it takes to raise the money for the potentially life-saving system.
To learn more about the system, click here.
