NENA Smartphone Apps Update & New Forum

As many of you have no doubt noticed, there is an increasing number of smartphone applications coming into the market that intend some type of interaction with public safety or 9-1-1. Many of these applications attempt to enhance the user's ability to contact 9-1-1 by either voice or text, and/or provide a means through which a "caller" can provide PSAPs with additional information. PSAP Managers and 9-1-1 Authority groups are expressing both interest and concern.

A NENA/APCO working group has been actively working to address many of the comments and insights that have been shared with us. We are finalizing a short document that will address critical considerations for app developers as they consider new products. This document will be shared with the major app stores, and will also be available on the NENA and APCO websites.

Concerns have also been expressed about the recent letters that were sent by 911 Emergency Assist (911EA) to many PSAPs advising of the launch of their product. We have been in touch with 911EA and will be continuing discussion to address PSAP training and how they are marketing their product. 911EA has welcomed the offer to incorporate further public safety driven insight into their path forward.

More updates will come soon. Please share your thoughts on how smartphone applications can best integrate with PSAPs and public safety by visiting the new Smartphone Applications Forum on the NENA website.