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The Lowndes County Sheriff’s office has announced recent equipment upgrades and additions aimed to improve the department’s ability to respond when help is needed.

Lowndes County Sheriff Chris West said the department has added RapidSOS, an emergency response platform designed to connect data from devices, apps and sensors digitally to first responders enabling faster responses for saving lives and property.

“One thing it does is give our department the caller’s location,” West said. “Calls will come up on a map. If a person calls 9-1-1, their exact location shows us where they are. So, if a person is calling in when someone is following them, we can track the caller as they move along the highway.”

According to West, the platform also gives responders the data they need to provide emergency services.

“If you have information on your phone, like who to call in case of an emergency, we can get that information,” West said. “Let’s say someone has information on their phone related to needed medical attention, that information would be available to us.”

In addition, the department has completed the first phase in a two-part upgrade of radio services. Lowndes County E-911 Director Santina Rogers described the addition of an 911 INET program.

“This is a National Public Safety access point,” Rogers said. “This is phase one, an upgrade of equipment and software specifically to track our deputies. This allows us to store more work radio traffic than the old system.”

Rogers said the new system operates without frequency, providing clearer communication.

“The new system allows [deputies] to come across crystal clear. I am able to hear what the deputy says, so if he needs backup, we can hear them and it cuts down on response time without having to repeat the information.”

The second phase, set for completion in mid-January, will bring the access to caller’s information, such as emergency contacts or medical conditions.

“We will get that information from the caller,” Rogers said. “This is information the caller grants permission to display. That way, if a caller says they are having chest pains, we can let responders know if they have a history of heart problems.”

The system tracks deputies, Rogers explained, so dispatchers can see who is closest to the caller’s area. They can also provide detailed reports to command staff for review.

Rogers said dispatchers will continue using both the old and new systems until all fire departments are connected to the new platform.