LEAA's role in assisting state and local governments in the implementation of 911 service

By enacting the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, the Congress established a Law Enforcement Assistance Administration (LEAA) and thereby focused national attention on improving the national criminal justice system. In this legislation the Congress specifically stated that "...crime is essentially a local problem that must be dealt with by state and local governments if it is to be controlled effectively...." Consequently, LEAA's role generally is one of assisting the states in addressing locally identified problems. The assistance provided includes conducting research, developing newly emerging technologies, evaluating innovative systems concepts, and making available technical/funding resources in accordance with established grantee selection criteria. LEAA is actively promoting the implementation of 911 service through 1) a demonstration of new 911 technologies in Alameda County, CA, and 2) a new program wherein specialized technical assistance will soon be available to local and state 911 planners. LEAA is also actively developing a "trunked" mobile communications system technology which holds the potential for substantially improving the command, control, and communications functions, relative to the public safety agencies' emergency response fleet resources, that are essential in providing a community with effective 911 service.