The Edinburg Police Department is debuting new technology that will help improve emergency response times throughout the city, according to a news release.

With the new system, dispatchers are now able to initiate video calling features on a case-by-case basis, according to the release. The features allow dispatchers to analyze key details from a scene directly from the caller’s camera when necessary.

“Information from the live feed will then give officers en route a better understanding of the situation and the community member's needs,” the news release stated. “The video feature will also improve access for those who may have difficulty describing an emergency verbally, such as individuals with speech or hearing impairments.”

The new system is part of a collaboration with RGV911.

According to the release, Edinburg dispatchers also now have access to advanced texting tools that allow residents to message 911 in 31 different languages, eliminating the need to contact a third-party translator.

“The public can send a text in their native language, with dispatchers receiving their response in English,” the release stated. “Responses from the telecommunicators will then be translated back to the resident’s language of preference, giving both parties ease of communication in a dire situation.”

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