Quincy/Adams County 911 Communications Center completes transition to Next Generation 911

QUINCY — The Quincy/Adams County 9-1-1 Communications Center is now among one of the Public Safety Answering Points in Illinois that have transitioned to the statewide Next Generation 911 network.

Next Generation 911 is a digital internet protocol-based system that replaces the analog 911 infrastructure that has been in place in Adams County for decades. It is designed to provide access to emergency services from all sources and to provide multimedia data capabilities for Public Safety Answering Points and other emergency service organizations.

A press release from 911 Director Jessica Douglas said most 911 systems were originally built using analog technology when landline phones were of great use.

“We have become a mobile society, using our cellphones to communicate through calls, texts, videos, and images,” Douglas said. “NG911 brings emergency response communications into the 21st century, providing more reliable and comprehensive 911 services.”

The Quincy/Adams County 9-1-1 Communications Center fielded 28,273 calls to 911 in 2022. Of those calls, 85 percent came from wireless phones. The center also received 39 texts to 911 in 2022. Text-to-911 is an alternative lifesaving option for people in situations where they cannot speak safely, such as a home invasion or active shooter incidents, or for individuals with speech or hearing impairments.