Georgia Tech Police Department Leads the Way in Emergency Communications
The Georgia Tech Police Department (GTPD) continues to set the standard for university public safety by implementing cutting-edge advancements in emergency communications. Most recently, GTPD became the first 911 call center within the University System of Georgia to integrate live caller video application capabilities, transforming how emergency calls are handled on campus.
Enhancing Real-Time Emergency Response
In December 2024, GTPD's Emergency Communications Center introduced real-time data sharing with first responders, enabling both text messaging and live video streaming from a caller's mobile device. When a call is received, dispatchers can send an invitation to the caller, allowing them to share their live video feed and precise location. This feature is entirely permission-based — a caller must actively opt in, and the system does not track the caller’s location beyond the active emergency call.
"The safety and security of our campus community is our top priority," says GTPD Chief Robert Connolly. "This new technology enhances location accuracy and reduces response time, ensuring that our first responders can act quickly and efficiently."
Future Enhancements: A Smarter, Faster System
This milestone is just the beginning of GTPD’s commitment to technological innovation. Future upgrades to the 911 Emergency Communications Center, scheduled for late April, will include the following enhancements.
A campus perimeter geofence that will ensure any emergency call made on the Georgia Tech campus is automatically routed to GTPD’s 911 center, eliminating delays caused by call transfers. Currently, 911 emergency calls placed on campus from cellphones are often rerouted through the City of Atlanta's 911 call center, leading to response time delays. With this direct communication channel, GTPD can provide immediate assistance, streamlining emergency response efforts.
A new two-way translation technology that will enable the call-taker to communicate verbally with non-English-speaking callers in their native language. Currently, non-English-speaking callers are assisted through a language line. This new AI-enabled technology eliminates the need for callers to be transferred to the language line — further reducing the response time of first responders.
“With these latest advancements, GTPD’s Emergency Communications Team will continue to solidify its position as a leader in university public safety,” Connolly said. “These achievements are a first for any University System of Georgia institution and serve as a model for others looking to enhance their emergency response capabilities.“
As technology continues to evolve, GTPD remains dedicated to leveraging innovative solutions to ensure the safety of the Georgia Tech community — pioneering advancements that set a precedent for public safety agencies across the nation.