COLONIE — Police will now communicate with residents during non-emergency situations via text message through a new technology called YakResponder.
Calling the dispatcher will not change, but the response may be in the form of a text for non-emergency situations. The program will also allow residents to respond by text or to text additional information while waiting for an officer to respond.
Residents to not need to download an app, or do anything other than call the dispatcher as they usually would and the YakResponder interface will handle the rest.
According to Lt. Robert Winn, the new system allows residents to contact dispatchers about non-emergency situations such as:
- A car crash with no injuries and that is not blocking the roadway during rush hour. The YakResponder will allow dispatchers to notify, by text, an approximate time of arrival for an officer.
- Report a lost pet or a stolen item. The dispatchers can text the complainant when/if the pet or item is located.
The program is designed to:
- Help keep emergency lines open for read emergencies
- Reduce dispatcher fatigue
- Help citizens feel connected during their non-priority call for service
