On Wednesday February 21, 2018 Governor Larry Hogan announced that the Board of Public Works' had approved a new contract with COMTECH/TCS Telecommunications Corporation, a Text to 9-1-1 service provider, opening an avenue for Maryland’s 9-1-1 Centers to implement TEXT to 9-1-1.
Over the next two years, this contract will provide service across Maryland as 9-1-1 Centers continue towards the implementation of the Next Generation 9-1-1 initiative.
During the implementation of TEXT to 9-1-1, citizens are asked to remain patient as several issues must be addressed, including:
- Training our Telecommunicators and Dispatch teams
- Installing necessary equipment within 9-1-1 Centers
- Notifying cellular carriers of the ability to receive 9-1-1 text messages
At this time, Washington County does not have a timeline for the implementation and rollout of the TEXT to 9-1-1 capabilities that are forthcoming.
It is important to note that currently Frederick County is the only county in Maryland that can receive TEXT to 9-1-1 messages and has been doing so since 2013 as a part of a pilot project.
Washington County and the Division of Emergency Services is excited to see the progress of this project flourish and how we can better serve our citizens.
For additional information contact Public Relations and Marketing Director Danielle Crabb
at 240-313-2384.
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