From Chicago Sun-Times · · 1m 30s
OEMC Launches New 911 System Amid Council Concerns
Chicago rolls out new 911 dispatch system despite City Council pushback.
In brief
Chicago rolls out new 911 dispatch system despite City Council pushback. Chicago began using a new 911 dispatch system alongside its old one after 14 alderpersons raised concerns about stability and call routing. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
New 911 System Launches
Chicago began rolling out a new 911 dispatch system Tuesday that officials say will improve emergency response times.
City Council Pushback
14 alderpersons expressed concerns and requested additional information about the system’s stability and call handling.
Council Concerns
Ald. Chris Taliaferro said the new system was dropping calls and routing some calls to the wrong department.
Mayor’s Response
The mayor’s office said the system handled 3,800 911 calls during stress testing and met response-time requirements.
Contract Details
Chicago signed a nearly $75 million contract with CentralSquare Technologies in 2019 to upgrade its 30-year-old system.
System Benefits
The new system will improve emergency response times by up to 33 seconds and streamline police, fire, and medical dispatch operations.
Dual System Operation
The new system will operate alongside the older system to maintain Chicago’s public safety infrastructure.
Taliaferro’s Assessment
Taliaferro called keeping the legacy system as a backup the right move to ensure the new system functions properly.
Training Progress
Dispatchers completed more than 4,600 hours of classroom instruction to use the new system by October 2025.
Next Steps
The city will begin offering briefings with alderpersons next week to monitor the system’s progress.
Here's the gist
Chicago began using a new 911 dispatch system alongside its old one after 14 alderpersons raised concerns about stability and call routing.
