Changing 911 systems to accept digital communications is a huge task. Darrin J. Reilly, now CEO of Cassidian Communications, should know. He spent the last 17 years at Motorola getting emergency responders and investigators wired for new emergency communications systems.

Right now, the only way to reach 911 in almost all areas, is by telephone. Los Angeles and Houston are the first to use Cassidian’s text and data 911 systems. In those cities, if a cellphone user is in trouble or captured by a criminal and can’t talk on the phone, he can send a text message to 911. Emergency texting may be available in 2012 to people in many parts of the United States. In time, emergency texting will be available almost everywhere in the country. But that’s not all. Sometime after 2012, the ability to send photos and videos to 911 operators will become a reality as well. A trial is underway in Houston that allows dispatchers to receive images from smartphones. Cassidian software call-taker screens display text and video alongside callers’ numbers and location. The information is saved for investigators.

In the future, 911 networks could have access to building floor plans, information about hazardous materials on site, or live security video. Reilly says many 911 call centers are investing in broadband networks. That will enable them to get beyond just voice. He also says police, firefighters and medics should have no trouble adapting to the new technologies.