SALEM — Salem police have announced the launch of the Prepared Live app in their dispatch center. The app will enable their 9-1-1 team to live stream and receive other information from mobile callers in real-time.

According to Salem PD, this addition to their technology suite will significantly improve their ability to effectively and efficiently respond to emergencies in the community.

Telecommunicator Supervisor Justin Draper says the free program can enable the telecommunicator to utilize Prepared Live when it’s safe for the caller to use their smart device and the nature of the incident indicates that it would be beneficial.

According to Draper, participation in video during a call is completely voluntary, and consent of the caller is required.

If the caller consents, they will receive a livestream link via text from the telecommunicator, enabling them to activate live video with a click.

He notes the video call function does NOT provide Salem Police Department with access to the contents or settings of a caller’s phone with the highest level of confidentiality maintained.

The app was created to help mitigate school emergencies after the team discovered valuable data is lost in existing 911 processes.

Since its public launch in October of 2021, the product has helped protect over 40 million people in 48 states.

To learn more about Prepared and Prepared Live, you may visit Prepared911.com.