New technology provides faster and more accurate response for Saratoga Police Department

Emergency dispatchers at Saratoga Police Department will no longer be limited to verbal communications with callers. A new technology provided by the Prepared Live system, has the ability to access callers’ cellphone cameras. Once a caller is connected with a dispatcher, a link will be sent to the caller’s phone. Upon accepting the link the dispatcher will be able to view the scene through the caller’s phone camera, in real time. The system not only records what is happening, but can be sent to other first responders to give them a bird’s eye view of the event. 

This technology will allow a lost person to show their surroundings to the dispatcher and others, thereby helping locate them sooner. More importantly, the Prepared Live system makes it possible for a dispatcher to silently chat with a victim via text messaging, an essentially life saving option when a victim is in imminent danger from a hostile person. 

One of the most frustrating calls for a dispatcher is the 911 hangup. With this system, the dispatcher can text the number that called 911 and ask that they call the dispatch center, as well as indicating that law enforcement may be sent to check on the caller. 

The possibility of live, real-time information from a scene will, without a doubt provide a more expeditious response time, as well as giving the dispatcher and the responder more information to help ensure the safety of the responders. 

Another perk of this software is avoiding the dispatch of unneeded resources. A dispatcher, and other first responder including firemen, emergency medical personnel and law enforcement can see the live video ling and determine how serious the incident is, thus avoiding sending air resources and more responders than necessary. 

Prepared Live is an application on the internet that is provided free by the company, Prepared Live. There isn’t any new equipment or investment by the dispatch center. 

The product was developed a few years ago by Yale students. 

The technology does not access a person’s phone or settings, only the camera.

The base software is and according to the company website, will always remain free. There are additional enhancements that can be purchased. 

The live feed ends when the user decides to end the call, and the dispatcher cannot access the live cameras again without a new user agreement being sent. These videos can also be uploaded and used as evidence or for a report. 

A dispatcher is only as good as their caller. This technology can paint an accurate picture for them, by putting eyes directly at the scene.