More than 1,000 Cole County residents have signed up to use a mass-notification system allowing the Jefferson City Police Department to alert the public in the event of an emergency.
JCPD, which operates the 911 system; the Cole County Emergency Management Office; and the Cole County Sheriff's Department worked for several months last year to install the Smart911 app by Rave Mobility Safety. Public sign-ups started last July.
There are currently 1,779 subscribers for Smart911 in Cole County, said JCPD Lt. Chad Stieferman, who oversees the Police Department division that includes the 911 Center.
"It has been extremely helpful," Stieferman said. "In addition to the system sending out National Weather Service weather alerts, we have also implemented alerts for unexpected major traffic disruptions, missing and endangered people, and are working out the kinks to start sending out all our press releases."
Users opt in to the service and create profiles including information they might want emergency personnel to know, such as garage door passcodes or spare key locations. Subscribers are not required to add such information.
"Mostly people include medical issues they have. That information can immediately be passed on to the fire department or emergency medical services," Stieferman said. "They can also put down any hazards that might be in the home so when first responders arrive, they have that information. You can put information about your vehicle in case it would be stolen. You could also put in information about your pets so in case of a fire, first responders would know to look for them."
If a subscriber calls 911, an operator sees his or her account and can give emergency personnel information.
The system includes a 911 feature where if a subscriber calls the Police Department but is unable to speak, the 911 operator can initiate a text message conversation.
Stiefermann said 911 operators use the Smart911 integration daily.
"It provides us with a wealth of information for both Smart911 subscribers and non-subscribers calling in using a cellular device," he said.
On average each month, Stieferman said the 911 center receives:
Approximately 38 calls that correspond to an active Smart911 profile, where they can gather additional response details.
Approximately 33 chat or text message conversations with cellphone users.
Approximately 32 calls that correspond to an active Rave Facility profile - a business that has signed up for a Smart911 profile. Businesses may list employee phone numbers, for example, Stieferman said.
Approximately 1,120 cellphone calls with enhanced location data (based on cellphone chips rather than cellphone towers).
The app is available to download on mobile phones at the Apple App Store or Google Play. More information is available at Smart911.com.
In 2018, the Cole County Commission and Jefferson City Council agreed to pay half of the $22,000 cost to install the system.
Osage and Boone counties, as well as State Technical College of Missouri in Linn, also use Rave, police officials said.