Regional 9-1-1 Program
9-1-1 Regional Program
The BVCOG Regional 9-1-1 Program is responsible for the planning, implementation, and financial oversight of 9-1-1 services across six rural counties. These services include the network, databases, and equipment necessary to ensure the accurate routing of 9-1-1 calls and text messages in Burleson, Grimes, Leon, Madison, Robertson, and Washington counties.
Note: Brazos County operates as an independent 9-1-1 District and is not included in the BVCOG Regional 9-1-1 Program. All activities, statistics, and information presented here exclude the Brazos County 9-1-1 District.
The BVCOG Geographic Information System (GIS) plays a vital role in supporting 9-1-1 operations and county addressing throughout the six-county region. BVCOG GIS provides address management, database maintenance, and mapping services essential to accurate call routing and emergency response. (See the Regional GIS section below for additional information.)
The BVCOG Regional 9-1-1 Program includes seven Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) that collectively answer more than 125,000 9-1-1 calls each year. Each PSAP serves a designated geographic area and is located at the Burleson County Sheriff’s Office, Grimes County Sheriff’s Office, Leon County Sheriff’s Office, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Navasota Police Department, Robertson County Sheriff’s Office, and Washington County 9-1-1.
In 1987, the 70th Texas Legislature established the Commission on State Emergency Communications (CSEC) to administer statewide 9-1-1 services in areas served by Regional Planning Commissions (RPCs). CSEC provides oversight of 9-1-1 operations and allocates funding to RPCs, including BVCOG. For additional information regarding funding and applicable rules governing regional 9-1-1 services, please visit the CSEC website.
Text-to-9-1-1 is available throughout the BVCOG region and should be used only when making a voice call is not possible or would be unsafe. Texting 9-1-1 should be reserved for true emergencies. Do not text and drive. If you need to text 9-1-1, pull over to a safe location first. Call if you can, text if you can’t.
On March 1, 2016, CSEC adopted Rule §251.16 (Direct Access to 9-1-1 Service) to implement Kari’s Law. Kari’s Law requires that users of multi-line telephone systems be able to dial 9-1-1 directly without first dialing an additional number, prefix, or access code.
To learn more about Kari’s Law, please visit the Commission on State Emergency Communications (CSEC) Kari’s Law webpage.
Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG911)
As of 2021, the region is fully compliant with Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) standards and operates one of the most advanced emergency communications systems in the state. This modernized infrastructure supports enhanced capabilities such as Text-to-9-1-1, real-time text translation, and live video streaming from callers, allowing telecommunicators to receive richer, more actionable information during emergencies. These tools significantly improve situational awareness, accessibility for individuals with hearing or speech impairments, and the overall speed and accuracy of emergency response.
NG9-1-1 is a comprehensive, IP-based emergency communications system composed of Emergency Services IP Networks (ESInets), software services and applications, databases, and data management processes that interconnect with Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) equipment. Unlike legacy Enhanced 9-1-1 (E9-1-1) systems, NG9-1-1 provides location-based call routing using geodetic and civic location information rather than static tabular data. The system delivers the caller’s location and call-back number, incorporates additional data elements, and applies defined business policies to ensure calls and associated data are routed to the appropriate emergency entity.
The transition to NG9-1-1 was necessary to keep pace with evolving communication technologies and public expectations. While E9-1-1 was designed primarily for voice calls from wireline and cellular phones, NG9-1-1 supports all existing E9-1-1 features while expanding capabilities to include non-voice and multimedia communications such as text messages, photos, videos, sensor-generated data, and future technologies not yet in widespread use. By establishing standardized, IP-based interfaces, NG9-1-1 allows new communication services to be rapidly integrated without disrupting emergency services or causing service interruptions during the transition.
NG9-1-1 also provides greater flexibility and resiliency for PSAPs and 9-1-1 authorities. Calls, messages, and associated data can be seamlessly transferred between NG9-1-1-capable PSAPs and authorized emergency entities, enabling faster alternate routing, improved disaster response, and enhanced interagency coordination. The system supports data sharing with emergency operations centers (EOCs), emergency management agencies, and other public safety partners, strengthening comprehensive incident management and regional interoperability.
Achieving and maintaining a fully NG9-1-1-compliant system also requires careful attention to policy development, training, operational procedures, and stakeholder coordination. The region has addressed these requirements through planning, education, and system design to ensure a smooth transition from E9-1-1, uninterrupted service delivery, and ongoing readiness to adapt to emerging technologies. As a result, the regional 9-1-1 system is well positioned to meet both current and future emergency communication needs while providing reliable, resilient, and accessible service to the public.
Text to 9-1-1 PSA
Regional Geographic Information System (GIS)
BVCOG’s Regional GIS Program supports county database maintenance efforts in Burleson, Grimes, Leon, Madison, Robertson, and Washington counties by providing mapping, validation, and data processing services related to rural addressing for 9-1-1. Each county has a designated database maintenance and addressing coordinator responsible for assigning addresses to new structures and mapping new roads in the rural areas of the county.
In addition, county coordinators maintain the Master Street Address Guide (MSAG), update county maps with new road and driveway point data, coordinate addressing changes with municipalities, and identify and correct errors within the 9-1-1 database to ensure accurate call routing and location information.
BVCOG’s 9-1-1 GIS Program has implemented fully enhanced 9-1-1 Mapped Automatic Location Identification (ALI) systems at all seven regional Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs). Mapped ALI provides a geographic display of 9-1-1 voice calls and text messages on a digital map, allowing telecommunicators to quickly visualize caller locations. While landline calls with verified physical addresses are displayed with a high level of accuracy, wireless calls and text messages typically display an approximate location, generally within 150 meters of the caller.
For addressing information in the six rural counties
covered by the BVCOG Regional 9-1-1 Program, please click on the following links:
STATS AND FACTS
- The BVCOG regional 9-1-1 system consists of seven Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP’s) in six rural counties – Burleson, Grimes, Navasota PD, Leon, Madison, Robertson and Washington
- Annually, the seven PSAP’s have collectively answered more than 120,000 9-1-1 calls for service with more than 85% originating from a wireless telephone.
- Over $2 million in 9-1-1 funds were expended at the six-county level for 9-1-1 equipment, network, database, equipment maintenance, wireless services and county addressing projects in FY 2022-2023.
- Maintain addresses and 9-1-1 call routing of
over 260 wireless towers.
- Maintain up-to-date digital maps for six counties of over 21,000 roads (state, county, and private), over 103,000 structure driveways points, and numerous emergency service and PSAP boundary layers.
- FY 2024-2025 9-1-1 budget is approved for $2.3 million.