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NG9-1-1 will bring an amazing range of new services to PSAPs. Callers will be able to ask for help using texts and emails, in addition to voice. They'll even be able to send in photos and video, making it much easier for PSAP staff to evaluate what's going on and what help needs to be dispatched. 

These new services come with additional concerns for the average Public Safety Answering Point – how to manage IP networks and the potential security issues that arise from using them. 

Currently, 9-1-1 relies on traditional telephone carriers. The PSAP simply connects to the carrier, and the carrier takes care of security.  As for external threats? The only viruses telephone companies ever get are of the biological kind, such as the common cold.

NG9-1-1 is built upon IP technology. To make it work, PSAPs will have to connect their call centers to IP networks.

The upside is that the PSAPs will now be able to access text messages, Voice over IP calls, digital photos and even live streaming video from callers. The downside is that PSAPs will now be open to hackers, viruses, and Denial of Service attacks, just like any other user connected to an IP network. 

There's even the specter of cyber warfare to consider. Those wanting to disrupt local public safety services could attack a PSAP, especially those in major cities. 

These are heady issues that PSAP managers are not accustomed to dealing with. Some have IT staff who can be tasked to handle these NG9-1-1 challenges; others do not. (Those with IT staff may still have a problem, because thus far, these managers have only had to keep email and other traditional IP services secure.) 

One way to solve this problem is to bring in third-party experts; people who know IP network security. Motorola Solutions has professionals dedicated to analyzing PSAP networks for possible threats, identifying solutions to counter those threats and providing support and service for PSAPs who have already made the transition to IP. 

Frankly, cyberspace is a dangerous place. That's why PSAPs, dispatch centers, and anyone else whose public safety operations are connected to IP networks need to protect themselves.

Yes, there are risks in moving to IP networks, but the benefits can definitely outweigh those risks if you face the threats head-on – and plan to manage and mitigate them in an intelligent manner. And after all, we already live with this reality in our everyday business and home lives. This is why we employ anti-virus and anti-spyware software to allow us to send emails and surf the Web in relative safety. 

This kind of preparation needs to be extended to PSAPs, as they move into the NG9-1-1 space. With the right tools and support, PSAPs will be able to minimize the downside of IP connectivity while enjoying all the extra information, flexibility and speed that NG9-1-1 has to offer compared to traditional 9-1-1. 

Now is the time to start planning for NG9-1-1's IP network challenges.