I worked on 911 reporting software oh 6 or 7 years ago now, and I seem to remember talk about allowing SMS and MMS along with live-streamed video coming from mobile phones to the PSAPs ... but I guess there hasn't been much movement on that.
I think the trouble you'll run into is the various agencies involved (since it's been quite a while I don't really remember), e.g. the Sheriff's departments run the PSAPs and I believe the State requires reporting for funding. And since these are government contracts you have to deal with getting those contracts and whatever contracts they already have with incumbents.
Not only that but there's a ton of different equipment out there, and everybody is using different stuff.
Anyway not saying it can't be done and that it can't be done efficiently (because believe me it can), but it's 100% government so you're gonna need some patience, good sales guys, and lobbyists.
edit: congrats on the award BTW, that sounds like you did some great work.
I’d love to talk more if you can. Email in my profile.
My plan is to do this as a nonprofit. Build great mapping tools and offer them for free to all worldwide emergency responders.
PSAPs have a role in this, of course, but I am also wondering how much smartphone emergency requests could be routed directly to responders. Think of the Coast Guard’s VHF 16 emergency channel. It doesn’t go to 911 — it goes straight to the Coast Guard.
I realize you can’t necessarily comment on individual deployments, but I’d like to publicly shame Vacaville, CA’s e911 combined with Verizon and/or iPhone plain doesn’t work. Contacting the FCC, Verizon determined they were sending valid position information but the city/county weren’t necessarily using it correctly. All it takes is for a rape/murder to happen and police unable to get to a victim because of it for some heads to roll, but unfortunately, it will take death(s) before such a problem is resolved.
I think the trouble you'll run into is the various agencies involved (since it's been quite a while I don't really remember), e.g. the Sheriff's departments run the PSAPs and I believe the State requires reporting for funding. And since these are government contracts you have to deal with getting those contracts and whatever contracts they already have with incumbents.
Not only that but there's a ton of different equipment out there, and everybody is using different stuff.
Anyway not saying it can't be done and that it can't be done efficiently (because believe me it can), but it's 100% government so you're gonna need some patience, good sales guys, and lobbyists.
edit: congrats on the award BTW, that sounds like you did some great work.