Communications Officer Julie Oppedyk works at the Post Falls Police Department on Oct. 13. She soon will be using a next-generation 911 system. (SR photo: Kathy Plonka)

You just snapped a picture of a car fleeing a collision with a bicyclist. Or maybe you’re watching a brush fire race up a hill toward some houses. With all the technology packed into smartphones today, the temptation may be to send photos or video directly to 911, have a video chat with an emergency dispatcher, or at least send a text message. Not yet, here in the Inland Northwest, but the day is coming. Emergency dispatch centers are gearing up to handle communications beyond simple phone calls. Known as next-generation 911, it will roll out in some places as early as next year and is expected to be widespread within about three years/Scott Maben, SR. More here.

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