Emergency Communications Services
The Ark-Tex Council of Governments (ATCOG) maintains and operates critical emergency communications infrastructure serving 14 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) across Northeast Texas and for the City of Texarkana, Arkansas. We aid emergency response across our region through state-of-the-art 9-1-1 technology and support services.Â
Our emergency communications network features:
- Next-generation 9-1-1 equipment enabling efficient call processing and seamless agency transfers
- Integrated TDD/TTY systems and Text to 9-1-1 for deaf, hearing-impaired, and speech-impaired callers
- 24/7 technical support from highly trained maintenance specialist
Our 9-1-1 Region
The 9-1-1 system is a sophisticated and powerful network, overseen by the Commission on State Emergency Communications and implemented at the Council of Governments (COG) level. ATCOG’s 9-1-1 program delivers the functionality behind the 9-1-1 call to the following areas:
- Bowie County
- Cass County
- Delta County
- Franklin County
- Hopkins County
- Lamar County
- Miller County AR (within Texarkana, AR City Limits)
- Morris County
- Red River County
- Titus County
Emergency Response Technology
GIS Management and Services​
Our dedicated team works to maintain accurate emergency response data by:
- Providing 9-1-1 addressing
- Regularly updating and verifying location information
- Ensuring data accuracy for emergency response
Precise Location Services
Every second counts in an emergency. Our 9-1-1 Call Handling System:
- Instantly displays caller locations on interactive maps
- Processes both traditional address-based and GPS coordinates
- Shows critical resource locations and known hazards
- Utilizes Wi-Fi access points for location accuracy
- Provides comprehensive mapping for disaster response
- Supports complete interoperability across the ATCOG region
Breaking Language Barriers
We ensure effective communication for all emergency calls through:
- Professional interpreter services available 24/7
- Support for thousands of languages and dialects
- Immediate connection to qualified interpreters
- Seamless integration with emergency response protocols
Building Safer Communities
Public Education​
ATCOG provides informative presentations about:
- How the regional 9-1-1 system works
- Proper use of emergency services
- Essential 9-1-1 access information
We offer presentations tailored for schools, civic organizations, and community groups interested in emergency preparedness and response.
Dispatcher Training
9-1-1 call-takers receive specialized training in order to handle a broad range of potential call types in the PSAP. Call-takers must:
- Complete a mandatory 40-hour basic telecommunications course and field training within the first year to obtain Texas Telecommunications Certification
- Access continuing education opportunities for advancement to intermediate and advanced certification levels
- Undergo specialized training to handle diverse emergency situations and call types in Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs)
- Complete TTY/TDD training within three months of hiring and refresh every six months to maintain ADA compliance and stay current with technology
ATCOG also provides additional training in continuing education to assist the call-taker with advancing to intermediate and advanced certification levels.
Industry Leadership
ATCOG maintains active involvement with:
- The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO)
- National Emergency Number Association (NENA)
- Next-generation 9-1-1 technology initiatives
- Emergency communications industry standards development