British Columbia's 911 call centre announced Wednesday it is implementing new technology that will allow operators to track callers to their cell phones with unprecedented accuracy.
Emergency communications company E-Comm unveiled Wireless Phase 2, a system that promises to dramatically improve tracking capabilities.
"We're basically shrinking the radius that a caller could be in from about 3,000 metres to potentially 50 metres," E-Comm spokesperson Jody Robertson said.
The upgrade could also allow cell phone tracking to assist search and rescue efforts.
"We're moving from having no useful information to actually receiving recommended search areas," Robertson said.
The system was revealed at E-Comm's Vancouver office on Pender Street. RCMP District Commander Peter German and Vancouver Police Chief Jim Chu attended to offer their gratitude.
"On behalf of public safety officers, especially police officers that are on the streets, I would like to congratulate E-Comm," Chu said. "The Vancouver Police appreciate the efforts of all involved."
When asked about the potential for abuse in the new system, Robertson said she was not aware of any.
"Well that's a question you would have to ask Telus," she said. "I can tell you the E-Comm's only interest is when you dial 911 to offer help."
