Information Technology Services Division

9-1-1 Advisory Council

The agency order establishing the State 9 1-1 Advisory Council was continued by Janet R. Kelly, Director of the Department of Administration, on May 1, 2008. The Council will exist until May 1, 2010.

The purpose of the Council is to provide representatives of 9-1-1 jurisdictions with the opportunity to participate in the development, implementation and management of the State of Montana's 9-1-1- Program as specified in 10-4-102(2) MCA.

The advisory council shall:

1. provide recommendations to the Department of Administration on planning and implementation of enhanced 9-1-1 telephone systems;
2. provide recommendations on the planning and implementation of wireline and wireless enhanced 9-1-1 telephone networks;
3. provide recommendations on planning and implementation of other 9-1-1 accessible technologies;
4. provide direction on implementation of a 9-1-1 strategic plan;
5. provide recommendations on issues that directly affect 9-1-1, its implementation and operation in Montana;
6. guide local 9-1-1 jurisdictions in the development and deployment of emerging technologies;
7. encourage cooperative efforts among local jurisdictions in the development of policies and standards for 9-1-1 jurisdictions;
8. advise the department on 9-1-1 funding issues.

In recognition and support of the Strategic Plan, the advisory council shall provide a forum to:

1. provide additional information and improve education of the general population, emergency service providers, local government officials, and state l legislators about 9-1-1; address what it provides, current capabilities, future needs and appropriate uses of the system;
2. assist in the development of Enhanced 9-1-1 dispatch systems, both wireless and wireline, and to include computer-aided dispatch (CAD), radio systems and other peripheral devices;
3. provide adequate training opportunities for dispatchers, supervisors and managers to assist them in performing their duties to the best of their abilities and in meeting the needs of the increasingly diverse community that the public safety industry serves;
4. ensure sufficient staffing with qualified personnel for all Montana public safety answering points (PSAPs).