Alpharetta unveiled its 911 call automatic callback system last week, making the city the first in the nation with this type of technology.
The city’s Viper 911 phone system allows residents to receive automatic callbacks in case they get disconnected from emergency services operators.
The goal of the new phone system is to cut down on the number of abandoned 911 calls, which happen when a caller hangs up before the operator answers the phone. Those type of calls take police and fire resources from actual emergencies, authorities said.
The new phone system works by calling back abandoned calls. From there, callers are prompted to press a number if they have an actual emergency, and another number for non-emergencies.
If the recording is not answered or no numbers pressed, the calls returns to the 911 operator.
The city’s average 911 call volume is around 4,000 calls per month. In May, 466 of those were abandoned calls.
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