Collier County, Fla., on July 15 officially transitioned to a cutting-edge Next Generation 911 (NG911) system, enabling residents to send not only text messages but also live video and photos directly to emergency dispatchers. This upgrade positions Collier among the nation’s early adopters of full multimedia-capable 911 services—a major leap forward from traditional voice-only calls.
Located along Florida’s Gulf Coast and stretching inland into the Everglades, Collier County’s 911 Communications Center now benefits from geo-tracking technology, precise location data, and live media feeds from callers at emergency scenes. This enhanced situational awareness is expected to streamline dispatch, improve response times, and bolster the safety of both callers and first responders.
The decade-long push for adoption was spearheaded by Sheriff Kevin Rambosk and Communications Director Bob Finney. They partnered with RapidSOS, a non-profit data infrastructure provider offering location and sensor data from smart devices at no cost to emergency centers. The integration includes IP-enabled public safety services that aggregate voice, text, video, and location data across a secure network—bringing Collier County in line with the National Emergency Number Association’s (NENA) NG911 standards.
Residents can now stream live video to dispatch during emergencies, providing responders with real-time visuals of the scene. This is particularly useful during violent incidents, medical crises, or natural disasters. The new system also connects with ESInet (Emergency Services Internet Protocol Network), enabling cross-platform integration of location and device data that enhance dispatch accuracy and efficiency.
The system proved its broader utility last fall when Collier County stood ready to support Leon County during Hurricane Helene, demonstrating its capability to offer backup assistance during catastrophic events. The county’s 911 infrastructure now includes two fully upgraded communications centers staffed by more than 60 employees, ensuring redundancy and uninterrupted service around the clock.
Sheriff Rambosk emphasized that this technology is designed to enhance traditional voice calls, not replace them. In situations where calling may be dangerous or impossible—such as during medical emergencies, home invasions, or for individuals with hearing impairments—the option to text or send video could be lifesaving.
Despite growing demand for advanced emergency communications, nationwide implementation remains fragmented. Although telecom carriers began supporting text-to-911 a decade ago, fewer than 60% of U.S. emergency centers currently support the feature, and even fewer accept video or photo submissions. NG911 progress has been hampered by inconsistent funding and state-level implementation gaps. Federal legislation like the proposed 911 SAVES Act has stalled, leaving local governments to bear the cost of modernization.
Michael Martin, CEO of RapidSOS, called Collier County’s move a model of what’s possible when technology and public safety align. He noted, however, that the lack of federal investment continues to hinder broad adoption across the country. Local efforts, like those in Collier, are filling in the gaps through innovation and partnerships.
Collier County’s ambitions go even further. Officials are collaborating with Pure Wireless to integrate building floor plans into dispatch systems, giving responders advance insight into interior layouts of schools, senior living centers, and commercial buildings. This level of detail is especially valuable in complex emergencies where access points, stairwells, or specific room locations could impact response effectiveness.
The county’s upgraded emergency communication capabilities are also shared with other regions. Collier has already partnered with Leon County, Florida, and Charleston, South Carolina, to provide mutual assistance when needed—an example of how regional resilience can be built through shared infrastructure and technology.
For local residents, voice calls remain the preferred method for contacting 911, unless speaking is not possible. When using text or video, callers should include detailed location information, as standard text messages do not automatically transmit geo-data. Messages should avoid slang and be as clear and concise as possible to aid rapid response.
Since the early 2000s, NENA has advocated for the evolution of 911 systems to handle the complexities of modern communication. Collier County’s successful implementation of NG911 stands as a compelling example of how these goals can be realized in practice. With a fully integrated, multimedia-capable system, the county is not just enhancing local safety—it’s setting a standard that could shape the future of emergency response across the United States.