Published on April 23, 2025
The City of Columbus today announced the deployment of Next Generation 911 technologies that enhance the protection and safety of residents and businesses. New video-sharing and AI-powered text translation capabilities will help support emergency response and provide more equitable access to Columbus’ 911 services.
The new Text-2-911 Translation tool allows residents to text 911 in their native language. The technology auto-detects the language of that incoming text and provides accurate, actionable translations in 55 languages. As the 911 Call Taker responds in English, the resident receives the response in their language. The availability of this feature could depend on the caller’s mobile phone carrier. Some mobile carriers support this feature only for Latin-based languages. The 911 Center will continue to utilize the Language Line translation service to engage verbally with our residents as needed. New Video to 911 capabilities allow a 911 Call Taker to text a link to a caller’s phone. After securing caller consent, the Call Taker is able to access the camera on the caller’s device for a live view of the emergency. This can provide critical context to first responders dispatched to fires, car accidents, or other potentially dangerous incidents. To protect the privacy of the caller, once the call ends, so does access to their device. The link cannot be reactivated.
“No one should be unable to call for help when they need it most,” said Columbus Mayor, Andrew J. Ginther. “These inclusive technologies will help make our city even safer and stronger through more equitable access to emergency services.”
“In an emergency situation, it is absolutely critical to remove communication barriers, because seconds count in these situations,” said Division of Support Services Administrator Ken Coontz. “This is invaluable for interacting with non-English speakers; people with disabilities, hearing or speech impairments; as well as those who may be unable to communicate verbally due to background noise or safety considerations.”