Upgraded 911 system needs support

The 911 system is the backbone of public safety, and Illinois' back is breaking.

On behalf of the sheriffs, the chiefs of police, and all the men and women of public safety in Illinois, we encourage Governor Rauner to approve SB 1839. Without that approval, the system will be unfunded at the close of business June 30. It's unthinkable that someone in Illinois might dial 911 after June 30 and nobody would be there to take the emergency call.

Legislation passed in 2015 requires the consolidation of 911 SYSTEMS, and upgrading technology to help our telecommunicators deliver the most professional and expedited service to our communities.

Our emergency dispatch centers are required to implement location services, receive text messages and automatic crash alerts within the next three years. None of this comes without a cost and that cost spread across all users is the fairest and most efficient model for delivery. The goal is to develop a fully-functional 911 system that meets the demands of ever-changing telecommunications technology in a digital world, while being accessible anytime, anywhere, from any device in Illinois.

Providing 911 services for all members of our community simply cannot be done by keeping old, costly and failing technology in place. We firmly believe the proposed revenue provided in SB 1839 for 911 allows for much-needed upgrades to outdated, flawed and ineffective technology, including landline phone services using copper wire - in 911 centers statewide. The surcharge increase also addresses the rising cost of salaries, technology and resources required to effectively deliver 911 services across Illinois.

The time is now for Illinois to move forward, not backward, in protecting the citizens we all serve.

Doug Maier

White County sheriff

President Illinois Sheriffs' Association

James R. Kruger Jr.

Oak Brook police chief

President, Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police