BUNNELL, Fla. — New software called “Prepared Live Technology” is being used by one central Florida sheriff’s office, and it may alter the way law enforcement looks at crime scenes before they arrive.

What You Need To Know

  • Software called "Prepared Live Technology" allows dispatchers to connect to a 911 caller's cell phone camera
  • Dispatchers can forward the camera view to responding deputies
  • Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said his offices has used the technology on more than 200 calls with success

Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly implemented the new technology that enables dispatchers to see a location before an officer arrives on a call, using the caller’s cell phone camera.

“Being able to go live and seeing exactly where they are, they can describe that location to the deputies responding, or they may recognize it themselves,” said Staly.

So far, he said deputies have used the technology on more than 200 calls with success.

The technology works so when someone calls 911 in Flagler County, the call is picked up at the dispatch communication center, located right next to the Sheriff’s Office.

Before the new software, a dispatcher would talk to the caller, relaying information about a crime, emergency, or problem they are having to a deputy in the field who would then respond to the call.

Now dispatchers can send a link to the caller in distress.

To work, the caller has to voluntarily click on the link, which allows the dispatcher to see the caller’s camera, and the same view can be sent to a responding deputy.

Staly said this enables everyone to witness what the caller is seeing before anyone arrives on the scene.

Director of Communications Christina Mortimer said there is a great advantage for everyone to see the location before arriving.

“And they have to allow us the access first to be able to view their camera, and we have the ability to see in real time and see the scene and relay the information to the deputy, or ambulance crew or whoever is responding,” said Mortimer.

For deputies, it could be a game changer for all responding calls and emergencies.

Deputy Olivia Schrager said the technology could save someone’s life, thanks to the ability to see the crime scene while still driving to the location.

“They are able to go ahead and send the link to me, so I’m able to view what the caller is viewing," Schrager said. "Or get photos or video before I get there."

Flagler County is currently using a free version of the Prepared Live Technology, but officials say the department is considering making the investment for the paid version, which offers additional benefits to his dispatchers and deputies.