North Michigan News

Harnessing technology to modernize public safety communication is the focus of new legislative proposals in Michigan. Representatives Curtis VanderWall and Jason Morgan have introduced House Bills 4661 and 4662, aiming to establish a grant program for enhancing communication between public safety agencies and their communities.

Morgan emphasized the benefits of statewide technology availability, stating, “First, the individual contacting the public safety agency, usually through a 9-1-1 call, will be kept informed of the status of their incident. Second, the survey data can be evaluated and used by the public safety agency to improve community interaction.”

VanderWall added that this technology would also support crime victims' rights: “We need to harness this important technology to improve policing practices, facilitate positive community engagement, and enhance crime victims’ rights. That is why this package also allows this technology to be used for notifications required under the William Van Regenmorter Crime Victim’s Rights Act.”

The Office of the Michigan Public Safety Communications System (MPSCS) within the Department of Technology, Management & Budget will administer the grant program. MPSCS provides statewide public safety radio communications for various agencies across Michigan.

Grants will be provided to state and local agencies that comply with prescribed standards and procedures. The aim is to automate messages tailored to specific situations for crime victims and others interacting with public safety agencies. This approach seeks to improve satisfaction and foster positive relationships between agencies and communities.

Currently available in some jurisdictions, these bills intend to expand technological integration statewide. A pilot project at Marshall Michigan State Police Post has proven beneficial in Calhoun, St. Joseph, and Barry Counties since its launch in 2023. The City of Battle Creek has been using similar technology since 2022.

This initiative aims not only at improving communication but also at acting as a workforce multiplier by automating citizen engagement processes to save time and reduce costs. Additionally, it provides tools for surveying community perceptions which can help track initiatives and enhance service performance.