News 12 at 11, May 5, 2007

AUGUSTA, Ga. --- The new Viper system will be turned on this Wednesday. They'll be receiving 911 calls exactly as they are today, but their working towards the future generation.

Halie Walden is a junior at ASU. She said if she ever had an emergency, the new Viper system would be useful.

"I never would've thought they would use cell phones for that purpose, but now with technology and the things your able to do with a cell phone...you know sending files, and pictures and stuff. I could see how it could be used for a greater good and a greater cause," Halie Walden said.

The 911 Viper system is moving Augusta's 911 system into the 21st century. The way the current system works, people use a landline or wireless phone to call 911.

But soon, you'll be able to send pictures, video and audio files, instant messages and even text messages, straight to 911. It would give people like Halie the opportunity to send pictures and information to law enforcement faster than ever.

"Or send a text message. Hey something's going on. Call the cops," Walden said.

Augusta 911 Center Director Phillip Wasson said the need is there and that's why they're moving towards the next generation.

"The children are on Yahoo all night long or Facebook or MySpace. Sending messages back and forth. If someone breaks into the house, why not have the means to send a quick message to 911 through those messaging services," Phillip Wasson said.

"I definitely think the younger generation would probably be able to use it better, being that the older generation aren't too savvy with their cell phones or sending text messages or the language that kids use in text messages," Walden said.

And Wasson said just think of the possibilities. Like a photo snapped of a suspect, can be sent straight to the deputy on the scene. They're all ways to help them, help you, when you need them most.

Augusta's 911 is waiting on the cell phone companies to get all of the technology in line so their new Viper system can be up and running. Wasson said he's hoping they'll be able to receive text messages within a year. The system was funded with 911 fees.