Edinburg PD gets new video call, translation features for 911 dispatch

EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Edinburg Police Department announced the implementation of new technology that will assist dispatchers and the community during 9-1-1 calls.

The departments new features include video calls and text translation during 9-1-1 calls.

Dennis Moreno, with the Edinburg Police Department, said if a dispatcher needs to see a live feed in cases such as a missing person, fire, car accident, etc., then video call will be able to show the emergency to the dispatcher.

"A text can be sent and a video can be populated to the call taker and a video populated and we are able to see what's happening on the scene," Moreno said.

Elias Martinez, with Edinburg PD said that as a dispatcher he finds himself repeating himself lots of times while on an emergency call. However, with the new live feed feature, dispatchers can see what is going on and expedite the help.

The way the video feed works is when you call 9-1-1, and a dispatcher says they need to see what is going on, they will send a link to your phone where they will ask to have access to your camera.

"We don't have access to your phone, just the camera and we just want to make sure to let the public know it's safe to call," said Martinez.

Texting 9-1-1 is available across the Rio Grande Valley, however, in Edinburg they added a text translation feature.

This feature will help those who are uncomfortable or unfamiliar with the English language. They will be able to text in their native language.

The dispatcher will be able to receive the caller's text message, translate it and will be able to respond appropriately.