Windsor police ‘ready to go’ with launch of Next-Generation 911 but can’t launch it yet

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The chief of the Windsor Police Service says the force is ready for a modernized 911 system, designed to improve emergency response by integrating up-to-date communication technologies.

Next-Generation 911 (NG911) is part of a nationwide upgrade to emergency services, aiming to replace outdated systems with digital, internet-based technology. The enhancements promise to improve accessibility and efficiency while addressing challenges like increased call volumes and accidental dials.

However, the transition depends on the timeline set by the department’s primary vendor.

“We’ve been ready to go,” said Windsor police Chief Jason Bellaire.

“We were one of the early adopters, and we had our system in place very early. We’re just waiting for our turn.”

The NG911 system allows for the use of video, text messaging and streaming capabilities, in addition to traditional voice calls.

Bellaire said the changes will significantly alter how emergency services operate.

“It will change the volume of what we get,” Bellaire said.

“Technology does bring a lot of benefits to community safety but also brings a lot more work.”

According to The Canadian Press, NG911 will reduce call wait times by using automation to filter out things like pocket dials.

Bellaire added, over the years, advancements in technology have increased the number of 911 calls.

Unlike in the early 1990s, when access to phones was limited, today’s widespread use of smartphones allows people to report emergencies instantly.

"When I was a young officer in the early 90s, people had to be mad enough by the time they found a payphone to call 911," said Bellaire.

NG911 will be rolled out in multiple phases. It's not until the rollout of later phases when videos or text messages may be accepted by 911 operators in Windsor.

In June 2017, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) initiated the move toward NG911 by directing telecommunications service providers to update their networks to support digital, IP-based emergency services.

The CRTC set March 4, 2025, as the date when legacy 911 components should be entirely decommissioned.