New in King County: Smart 911 can get to you faster, if you give up personal info

BY KIRO Radio Staff  on September 12, 2012 @ 6:35 am (Updated: 8:10 am - 9/12/12 )

911 dispatch
King County is offering program that will allow 911 operators to get help to you sooner, but you have to give up personal information to register for what's called Smart 911. (97.3 KIRO FM/file) | Zoom
King County is offering program that will allow 911 operators to get help to you sooner, but you have to give up personal information to register for what's called Smart 911.

Smart 911 allows dispatchers to locate an exact address of a cell phone, instead of just pinpointing a general location.

"You can register your home address, work address, school address all to that wireless phone and then if you make a call from one of those areas, they'll know that and then can send help more efficiently," says Cameron Satterfield with King County.

Satterfield says it's a free, voluntary service for anyone living in the county.

Critics fear the new service is asking for too much information, even going as far as asking for the location of children's bedrooms.

To set up a Smart 911 safety profile visit www.smart911.com.

KIRO Radio Staff, Staff report
Straight from the newsdesk.
More Local News
Top Stories

  • Snowy Passes
    Escape cold Seattle; go skiing at Crystal Mountain

  • Dirty Wars
    Director Jeremy Scahill says Obama hasn't been fighting a clean war

  • Dollars Per Student
    Washington spending per student is below the national average
MyNorthwest.com - Purpose of Comments statement
Bonneville Media encourages site users to express their opinions by posting comments. Our goal is to maintain a civil dialogue in which readers feel comfortable. At times, the comments can descend to personal attacks. Please do not engage in such behavior. We encourage your thoughtful comments which: have a positive and constructive tone, are on topic, are respectful toward others and their opinions. Bonneville reserves the right to remove comments which do not conform to these criteria.

Comments (7)


  • Add A Comment

  • Ted Bundi wrote...
    "says it's a free, voluntary service"
    September 12, 2012 6:49 am
    nothing is "free".
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Rick W7PSK wrote...
    ITs for your Safety
    September 12, 2012 7:16 am
    is always the 1st thing they say when they ask you give up liberty.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Annie (1) wrote...
    At least give it some thought!
    September 12, 2012 7:35 am
    - King County Sheriff's serve in lots of rural areas of the county-if you live in these areas & this service can bring help sooner-it's worth considering-but if you truly fear you're giving up your liberty then by all means don't sign up!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Citizen of Krazy Town wrote...
    I would never, ever give this kind of information to *anyone* let alone government
    September 12, 2012 8:52 am
    I predict a short life for this program.

    My government implying that, if I don't give them my most personal information then I will be less safe, is insulting and very scary.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Annie (1) wrote...
    That's your take
    September 12, 2012 9:27 am
    Citizen-that's not what I'm getting from this story at all-that KC is "implying" you'll be "less safe".Personally I think it's a great idea for those who maybe live in more rural areas especially. If it can cut response time to an emergency,I think that's a plus. Being insulted & scared by something-YOU ARE IMPLYING-is your take on it.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • kcandjc00 wrote...
    Bad Idea
    September 12, 2012 9:48 am
    Just because the 911 operators have the callers address, it doesnt mean they are there. People will call now assuming that 911 will know where they are. It goes back to educating the public in knowing their locatiion when help is needed and not dumbing them down to depend on technology, that may be hit or miss.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • soo purletiv wrote...
    First words out of your mouth
    September 12, 2012 8:46 pm
    to a 911 operator should be: 11223 34th NE City and State!

    If you aren't at home and you call from your pre-screened phone, than you just sent the responders to the wrong address.

    Not all that complicated and no need to "smart 911" your phone.......

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }