HOWELL, Mich. (WXYZ) — A new tool for 911 dispatchers is being tested in Livingston County. The technology software is called RapidSOS and the developer said it allows dispatchers to access cameras near an active 911 call.

Potentially, dispatchers can see the emergency as it develops. The software is owned and developed by Eagle Eye Networks.

Emilio Zapata, who works in downtown Howell, said, “I know that people in this area are particularly concerned about safety.”

7 News Detroit asked him about his opinion on the new technology.

“I think we are becoming more and more used to the idea that cameras are watching us,” Said Zapata.

“I work in the restaurant over there. I know I would feel much safer knowing that this information could help law enforcement. I also believe it could have a deterrent effect.”

Cooper Briscoe is Director of Product Marketing at Eagle Eye Networks.

He explained: “So when they guide first responders, we keep our first responders safe and increase community safety.

“Now they are better informed when they arrive at the scene. They may be able to go right where the threat is occurring and have up-to-date information that would not otherwise have been available to them.”

Briscoe said there were concerns about the idea of ​​Big Brother watching, but he said that was far from the reality here.

“People are very often concerned. ‘What about privacy? What about compliance? We don’t want law enforcement accessing cameras.’ I want to make it very clear that Eagle Eye 911 Camera Sharing does not provide law enforcement with unrestricted access to video,” he reassured.

The technology is currently being tested at the Livingston Educational Service Agency. 7 News Detroit learned that the agency has installed a camera equipped with the software in the lobby.

Joe Bommarito of Novi-based Elite Fire Security installed it.

“And the great thing about this is that we can engage citizens – and this is what really interested me – if we had a few cameras here, a few cameras there, a few cameras all over the city. When those emergency calls come in, those cameras will be shown within a hundred yards or so of the emergency number.” he explained.

He emphasizes again that once the emergency call has been completed, no further access to the video is possible and the operations center does not record it.

For more information about RapidSOS, see his website.