By Sharon Counterman, Deputy Director, Greater Harris County 911 Emergency Network
(Sharon Counterman was one of several panelists who participated in the recent NG 9-1-1 Panel Discussion at APCO.)
As you know, APCO National took place this year in Houston, Texas, and I had the pleasure serving on a panel assembled to discuss the transition to NG9-1-1. Serving on the Greater Harris County 9-1-1 Network, I was able to share my perspective as a representative of 49 cities that span two counties, in a state where NG9-1-1 planning is done at the state level.
So how is the Lone Star State gearing up for NG9-1-1? Here are some key question areas I covered in our NG9-1-1 panel discussion which you may find informative and helpful.
What do you think is the appropriate role for the state-level 9-1-1 authority in preparing and planning for NG9-1-1?
Each state is different and unique, so I can’t say what appropriate role each state should take in preparing and planning for NG9-1-1. However, I do know what has worked in the State of Texas. What we have done successfully is bring all of the stakeholders together to work as one team. To do this, agencies must put aside their individual wants and prepare a plan that will benefit all. In most states, the state has the authority to decide how they will build a state-wide ESInet for 9-1-1. In the State of Texas, the 9-1-1 Authority was formed through legislation and includes the following entities:
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The Commission on State Emergency Communications (CSEC) – CSEC covers one-third of Texas (mostly the rural areas of the State) and has direct oversight over 24 Regional Planning Commission Councils of Government.
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The Emergency Communications Districts – 24 districts which provide oversight through independent governing boards.
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The Municipal Emergency Communications Districts – City Councils (from 28 Home Rule Cities) that provide governing oversight.
How about ongoing operational/functional responsibilities at the state-level?
In Texas, CSEC’s original plan was to form a state-level ESInet that others within the state could join when they were ready to be a part of the network. But as in most states, CSEC’s funding was cut. So CSEC’s Executive Director, Paul Mallet, took the initiative to collaborate with other stakeholders in the State to look at forming regional ESInets. That would allow CSEC to then interconnect the regional ESInets and individual PSAPs together into one “Texas NG9-1-1 backbone system.” To ensure that all stakeholders were equally represented, a 7-member State Level ESInet Advisory Council was formed by statute. Council representatives include:
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The Chair (nonvoting member) – Paul Mallett, Executive Director of CSEC
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2 members from the Regional Planning Commission Councils for Government
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2 members from the Emergency Communications Districts – Texas 9-1-1 Alliance
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2 members from the Municipal Communications Districts
From your experience, what is the key to making state-wide NG9-1-1 planning successful?
First and foremost, co-operation and teamwork is essential. You must be willing to change and look “outside the box” to find solutions that will work for your state. No longer can individual entities work by themselves if they want to form a state-wide network. NG9-1-1 is unchartered territory. Setting a course to transition to NG9-1-1 will require all of us to think like leaders and to lead by example.
Sharon Counterman
Deputy Director
Greater Harris County 911 Emergency Network
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