By Michele McPhee
The Boston Herald
Copyright 2007 Boston Herald Inc.
BOSTON — City Councilor Rob Consalvo, who pushed a move to bring gunshot acoustic technology to the Hub, now wants to enhance the city’s 911 technology so dispatchers can receive cell phone photographs and text messages.
The updated technology, which is being used in Chicago, Philadelphia and New York City, sends images to 911 operators.
“Imagine how effective it would be if someone did call 911 and take photos with their cell phones, they could send pictures to 911,” Consalvo said yesterday. “We have to keep up with the times, and this technology will play a great role in solving crimes.”
He plans to hold a hearing on the issue, including how much the updated technology would cost.
Consalvo’s initiative comes on the heels of a City Council vote to spend $2.5 million from the supplemental budget to bring “Shot Spotter” technology to hot-spot neighborhoods, giving cops the ability to pinpoint the exact location of gunfire. That technology will be in place this summer.
Yesterday, Boston police Commissioner Ed Davis said there is “a lot of value” in updating the 911 system.
“It could be expensive,” Davis said.