911 center in Hamburg uses new technology to video-call residents in an emergency

TOWN OF HAMBURG, N.Y. (WIVB) - The town of Hamburg is using the next generation of technology to help police. Its 911 center is testing out a new tool called "Prepared Live." It allows emergency callers to talk face-to-face with dispatchers.

The 911 center in Hamburg has been using Prepared Live for more than a month now. Officers say it's been helpful in getting an accurate description of what the caller is seeing.

The way it works is simple. If you're in an emergency, you dial 911. After answering the call, the dispatcher then decides if a video call is needed. If so, they will ask for permission to access the camera on your phone. Once given permission, you'll be sent a link.

"If we have video and we see what the caller was seeing and what the caller is reporting, that helps us immensely," said Hamburg police Lt. John Baker. "We don't necessarily have to comb through what's truth and what's not truth, we have the evidence right there before us to see what they called us about."

The town of Hamburg is the first in Erie County to use this technology. The trial run ends in March. It'll then be up to the county to implement it permanently.