New 911 System

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Story Published: Nov 10, 2009 at 10:52 PM PDT

By Stacy Lilienthal

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YAKIMA -- We're closer to texting and sending video to 911 operators in the Yakima area.

911 calls throughout Yakima county used to go into an antiquated push-button system. Now they'll go into a computer instead. The change means workers will have an easier time transferring calls, keeping records, and dealing with high call loads. Soon, the new system could lead to even more.

"It's not here yet, but text messaging, video, all those things you hear about are going to be coming to 911 sometime in the fairly near future. And this system positions us to be able to accept that," Wayne Wantland told Action News.

The new system was funded by the 911 excise tax and was just installed last week. You shouldn't hear any differences when you call.

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