National 9-1-1 Program Office Announces National 9-1-1 Profile Database Open for 2013 Data Collection
Nationwide collection of statistics about 9-1-1 systems is key to ensuring the development of optimal 9-1-1 services and the implementation of Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1). With a more complete picture of 9-1-1 services nationwide, states will have access to important data to help educate local legislators, make system modifications and demonstrate the value of 9-1-1 to local governments, first responders and the community.
The National 9-1-1 Program has announced the National 9-1-1 Profile Database is open and accepting 9-1-1 system data for 2013. In cooperation with the National Association of State 9-1-1 Administrators (NASNA), the program encourages states to voluntarily share information about a number of data points, including the number of 9-1-1 calls received,9-1-1 fees and progress toward implementing NG9-1-1. The data collection process is underway through mid-September and a data analysis report will be available by the end of the calendar year.
“Nearly three-quarters of the nation’s state administrators are working to collect and share state data through the 9-1-1 Profile Database,” said Laurie Flaherty, National 9-1-1 Program Coordinator. “Real data will provide the 9-1-1 community with ammunition to make the case for the needs of 9-1-1 systems locally and nationally.
“The last time data was collected, more than half of the states submitted information and this year we are seeing even more participation,” she continued.
A report aggregating and analyzing all data submitted by the states—expected to be available by the end of 2014—provides information that can be used to compare activities among States with similar 9-1-1 systems and to modify existing 9-1-1 programs based on others’ successful models. Financial information collected may also help provide a clearer picture of how much it costs to provide 9-1-1 services.
These statistics about 9-1-1 systems can also be used to help 9-1-1 administrators answer questions about how one state compares with others and to demonstrate the value of their state’s program. Access to both the individual state and national aggregate data may provide information that can be utilized to generate more support for 9-1-1 services from state and local leadership.
Data from the National 9-1-1 Profile Database will also be combined with the National Emergency Number Association’s (NENA) state data on Enhanced 9-1-1 deployment and NG9-1-1 planning and transition. This effort will bring together two of the most accurate 9-1-1 system data sources to help provide the most current view of 9-1-1 services nationwide. The combination report is expected to be available in early 2015.
More information on the National 9-1-1 Profile Database can be found at here.
About The National 9-1-1 Program
The National 9-1-1 Program provides federal leadership to support and promote optimal 9-1-1 services. It was created by Congress to provide information to improve the 9-1-1 system and to coordinate information sharing and activities among federal agencies and the 9-1-1 community. The Program fulfills its mission by developing and distributing a variety of tools and resources for the nation’s9-1-1 stakeholders. The National 9-1-1 Program is housed within the Office of Emergency Medical Services at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation.