LIVE911 program helps deputies respond faster to calls in Hernando County
HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office said they are working hard to continue fighting crime more effectively, and one way they are doing that is through the use of the LIVE911 program.
Whether it’s a 911 call for a violent crime, gas theft, or robbery, law enforcement said the program helps them hear details in real time, making their response times faster.
Earlier this month, Deputy Juan Moore heard a 911 call come in for an alleged gas theft at a local Circle K.
“I was 100 feet, maybe 150, away from the intersection when he gave out the description of the vehicle, when I see the vehicle leaving the gas station and go south on 301 right in front of me,” he said.
Since he heard the description from the caller, and then dispatch, he said he was able to pull the suspects over quickly.
“As I approached the vehicle, the backseat is completely hollowed out, and then there’s a, what looked to be a little hole behind the, on the floorboard there,” Moore said.
He said with the LIVE911 program he is able to get information much faster.
“A lot of times I’m getting on scene before the call can make it to the computer screen,” he said.
The program captures calls coming in and works with mapping systems to show deputies nearby the location and also allow them to hear the call.
“It’s a great tool,” Lt. William Power said. “I love the fact that the deputies are able to hear that live, although they can’t ask questions, it’s not interactive that way, it’s almost as if the caller is talking to the deputy that’s on the way to take care of their problem.”
Sheriff Al Nienhuis said his deputies are hungry to get justice and keep their community safe.
“The sooner we get that information to the deputy, the more likely they are to apprehend the suspect or prevent a crime from getting more serious,” he said.
Leaders at the sheriff’s office said without the program, it takes a few minutes for information to get relayed to the men and women patrolling the streets.
“They have to read it, digest what it says and then they send it out over the radio to a deputy. So, there’s some built in delays on a typical call,” Power said.
According to the sheriff’s office, they are in the process of trying the program with their school resource officers, so they can respond faster in schools, as well.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
