The Pike County Sheriff's Office, the Waverly Police Department and the Pike County Board of Commissioners today announced a public safety upgrade to accelerate emergency response times. The agencies are deploying new Motorola Solutions technologies — including upgraded 911 dispatch, body cameras and digital evidence tracking — to get help to residents faster. 

This countywide modernization connects local agencies to a single shared data network, equips first responders with a mobile command trailer for major incidents and provides in-car access to information officers need in the field, such as dispatch notes and digital warrants. 

"This is one of the most significant public safety upgrades Pike County has ever made," said Tony Montgomery, Chairman, Pike County Board of Commissioners. "From our 911 center and sheriff's office to EMS and fire, all of our agencies will feel the difference, and so will the community we serve."

The 911 call handling system gives Pike County emergency backup it hasn’t had before. If one dispatch center is offline, the system automatically reroutes emergencies to another center, so call takers stay connected and residents get through. Dispatchers will also have real-time AI features, including transcription, language translation and summaries of the calls to process emergencies more quickly.

On the front lines, Pike County Sheriff's deputies and Waverly police officers will wear the SVX, which serves as both a remote speaker microphone and body camera, with the ability to act as a real-time AI assistant in the field. Through the device, officers and deputies will have live translation capabilities and assistance creating a first draft of an incident report.

A new computer-aided dispatch and records system centralizes data across the county. Dispatchers, first responders, jail staff and the evidence department can share incident information in real-time. Deputies will also view active 911 calls, access case details and submit reports directly from their laptops in the field. By eliminating the need to drive back to the station for paperwork, the system saves the county an estimated $327,000 annually and allows officers and deputies to spend more time in the community. 

“This technology will transform our public safety response," said Jeff Chattin, Commissioner, Pike County Board of Commissioners. "We're proud to give our sheriff's office, Waverly Police Department and our 911 centers the tools they need, and we’re confident Pike County will be better for it.”