The B.C. RCMP is moving to a new emergency communications system, with the transition replacing aging infrastructure to meet a federal mandate.
The change to Next Generation 9-1-1, also known as NG9-1-1, is being rolled out in phases across the province.
The RCMP’s Island District communications centre in Courtenay transitioned on Oct. 26. It provides secondary 9-1-1 answering services for about 20 communities, as well as air, marine and traffic units across Vancouver Island.
Police say callers will continue to reach an E-Comm 9-1-1 call taker, who will direct emergency calls to police or the appropriate first responder agency.
The immediate change for the public is a new automated callback system for calls that are disconnected or abandoned before reaching a call taker.
Future upgrades are expected to allow people to text 9-1-1 in real time and share streaming video during emergencies. Those features are not expected to be available for several years.
“Modernizing our tools and technology is one of the RCMP’s key organizational priorities,” said Supt. Raina Siou, officer in charge of the B.C. RCMP’s Operational Communication Centres program. “This update to our 9-1-1 systems to support our officers and employees in a constantly evolving policing environment will ensure we keep pace with the demands of modern policing and allow for faster and more efficient response to emergencies.”
The provincial government announced $150 million in funding for the transition in 2023.
