A new audit from the New York state comptroller’s office reveals the state is behind in implementing Next Generation 911 — a modern emergency response system that would allow residents to send texts, video and real-time location data during emergencies.

Next Gen 911 (NG911) is designed to replace outdated 911 infrastructure across the state, many parts of which currently lack even basic text-to-911 capabilities.

“[The state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services] was supposed to have had this plan in place when we started our audit,” state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said. “We found that it still wasn’t completed. Interestingly enough, in the course of the audit, they did finalize the plan.”

What You Need To Know

  • A state audit found delays in implementing Next Generation 911 across New York
  • NG911 would allow emergency texting, video, and location sharing
  • Fewer than half of New York counties currently offer text-to-911

The goal is to build a seamless statewide emergency network that improves communication, especially during severe weather events. Currently, fewer than half of New York’s 62 counties offer basic text-to-911 service.

Sheriff Craig Apple of Albany County, one of the few counties with NG911 in place, said the technology is already making a difference.

“When you text, we’ll respond with a link,” Apple said. “If you click that link, you can also share video — like flooded roads — and we can alert all emergency responders in the county.”

The state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services said the responsibility to implement NG911 lies with individual counties, but that the state is offering guidance and more than $500 million in funding since 2010.

In a written statement, the division said: “It is the state’s job to support counties in these efforts, and the Division is proud to have worked diligently for more than a decade to support those partners in their efforts to modernize 911 systems and deliver effective public safety services to New Yorkers.”

DiNapoli urged stronger collaboration between state and local agencies moving forward.

“Next Generation 911 is critical to the safety and well-being of New Yorkers,” he said. “But local governments can’t implement this alone — they need more support and coordination from the state.”