Capita’s ‘999eye’ software is launching on Saturday (1 May) at Surrey and West Sussex’s Joint Fire Control meaning when residents call 999, they’ll now be offered the opportunity to contribute a live video stream to the emergency control centre.

Upon calling 999, callers will be asked if they want to provide a live video stream of the scene using their smartphone. If they agree, the control room operator will send a text message with a secure, one-time-use link that opens a live stream direct from the smartphone to the control room.

The software not only enables callers to live stream videos directly to control room operators, it also sends the caller’s GPS coordinates enabling them to pinpoint their exact location.

Multiple users can view the 999eye live streams, if required, including control room supervisors, senior officers and the responding crew attending the scene.

The software will enable operators to assess the severity of an incident far quicker to ensure the most appropriate response is mobilised.

As West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service are mobilised from the Surrey’s Joint Fire Control, both services will be able to utilise 999eye. The service will also take emergency calls for East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service in September.

Dan Quin, Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Our operators are under pressure to collect detailed information as quickly as possible from the second a call comes in. Having access to a live video stream of events as they unravel will help evaluate risk, support decision making and deliver better services to our communities.”

Paul Eggleton, Managing Director of Capita Secure Solutions and Services, said: “It’s great news for the people of Surrey and West Sussex that their fire and rescue services will go live with our game-changing location-finding and video-streaming software. 999eye is an example of digital innovation working hand-in-hand with local fire and rescue personnel to facilitate the quickest and safest response possible in the event of an emergency.”

Jon Lacey, Assistant Chief Officer, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We have been working with Surrey Fire and Rescue Service for over a year now as a joint mobilising solution serving our communities. The implementation of this new live-streaming feature in our control room is another example of the benefits of working together as a joint service.”

No app is required and no other data is taken from or stored on the caller’s phone.

If you have news for Sussex and Surrey, contact us on news@susyradio.com