Denver 9-1-1 Now Receiving Location Data from iPhones

Denver 9-1-1 is now receiving fast and accurate location data from iPhones running iOS 12, the latest software update from Apple.

"Approximately 95 percent of calls we receive come from people using cell phones," said Athena Butler, Director of the Denver 9-1-1 Communications Center. "Through a partnership with Rapid SOS, we will now receive precise location information from iPhones with iOS 12, which will make a big difference in how quickly we can dispatch emergency resources."

Prior to the Apple update, 9-1-1 call takers had to rely on the caller to provide precise location data if they were using a cell phone. Unlike land lines, some cell phone data is visible to call takers but it may be limited to the nearest cell phone tower location from where the call was made. This could result in up to a 150-meter search radius, which is not very helpful in an emergency when seconds count.

This feature will also work if someone uses the text to 9-1-1 feature, where they may not be able to speak with the call taker. Some Android phones can provide precise location data, but according to Butler, it's not yet consistent across all devices.

All Denver residents with iPhones are encouraged to upgrade to iOS 12 to ensure their precise locations are visible to Denver 9-1-1 call takers.

Denver 9-1-1 is committed to using the latest technology to improve emergency response times to the community. In addition to text to 9-1-1, Denver residents can also sign up for Smart 9-1-1, which allows them to provide additional information that could be helpful in an emergency, such as family members' names, alternate locations and medical information. Sign up at denvergov.org/911 or text 'Smart911' to 67283 to receive the Smart911 app.