As technology has advanced, what Marylanders need from their 9-1-1 system has advanced as well. To keep up, Maryland Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) have transitioned to a Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) system that's designed to fit the modern digital era.

Unlike legacy 9-1-1 systems, NG9-1-1 allows not only voice communication with a 9-1-1 specialist, but also gives Marylanders the chance to contact 9-1-1 by texting, as well as send photos and videos of an emergency to help better inform the first responders who will be on their way to assist. Behind the scenes, NG9-1-1 also lets PSAPs in different counties and neighboring states collaborate and support each other much more easily.

Maryland's NG9-1-1 project began in 2017. Throughout 2018 to 2020, technicians and experts in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) built plans and prepared the necessary mapping and location datasets to make the system work. Implementation began in 2021, and as of 2026, all Maryland jurisdictions have successfully completed their transition to the NG9-1-1 system.

Now, no matter where you live, work, or travel in our state, NG9-1-1 is now available and ready to respond if you need it!

• Improved accuracy when identifying the location of calls received from wireless devices like cell phones.
  
  
• The ability to route calls more efficiently based on the location of the caller's device.
  
  
• Dynamic routing, which lets PSAPs better manage call congestion and ensure your call gets through.
  
  
• Greater interoperability between PSAPs, so 9-1-1 dispatchers across county lines can work together more effectively.
  
  
• The ability to receive new forms of 9-1-1 requests, like text, video, and data.
  
  
• A more secure environment for communicating in an emergency, and a more resilient network to deliver and route your calls.