DOVER, DE- Delaware is taking a major step forward in emergency response with upgrades to its Enhanced 911 (E-911) system, featuring real-time video and live text translation services, designed to improve response times and accessibility.
State officials demonstrated the new technology Thursday, showing how dispatchers can now send callers a link that allows them—if they give permission—to stream live video from the scene of an emergency.
Matt Carey, with the Dover Police Department, emphasized the goal of giving call takers and first responders a clearer understanding of the situation in real time.
“Nowadays, everyone has a device in their hand. You can pick that device up, you can call 911, and with your permission, you can make that connection to 911 to get you the help we need faster.”
Bob Williams, the State of Delaware`s 911 Administrator, explained how the video feature enhances a call taker’s ability to assess emergencies as they unfold.
“It'll allow that call taker to take in the totality of what's going on and be able to accurately describe what our first responders are going to.”
The upgraded system also supports real-time text and automatic translation in over 90 languages, a tool designed to bridge communication gaps in critical moments.
Officials are urging non-English speakers to text 911 instead of calling during an emergency, as the system can now instantly detect and translate messages, helping them get assistance more quickly.
Williams emphasized how the feature can make a difference by saving crucial time when every second counts.
“The call taker then responds to your text, and it responds back in your language. So we can begin an immediate dialog to try and assist you with whatever you need.”
Carey noted the translation feature is already proving valuable to the department.
“We have a lot of Spanish-speaking callers, Haitian Creole. We are able to text them or they can text us, and we get real-time translation.”
Delaware is one of the first states in the nation to implement these technologies, with the Dover Police Department among the first agencies to adopt them. A full statewide rollout is expected by 2026.
Officials say future upgrades could allow callers to send photos and videos directly to 911 call takers, giving first responders even more tools to respond effectively.