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New York City, New York, wants to widen its 911 system to accept digital photos and video clips of accidents and crimes. The huge NY 911 system handles about 11 million calls a year, and the possibly of an additional glut of photos worries Alan Reiter, wireless data consultant. City officials, however, say images would not be a problem because the City manages information constantly. Spokespeople also say authenticity and truthfulness of all reports are judged. The initiative would require outfitting 911 facilities with the needed technology to accept digital photos and videos, which are expected to frequently come from the cellphones of individuals. The City also plans an upgrade of its non-emergency services through the 311 information line, which processes about 14.76 million calls a year. Officials have no time frame or cost estimates ready for release, but, says a spokesman for the City, the cost will run into the millions. With image ability added, New York City will be in the avant-garde of governments that upgrade emergency response systems to benefit from the wireless age. Other early adopters are Indiana, Tennessee, and Vermont.
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