Politics & Government
Chicago Begins Switch To New 911 Dispatch System Despite Some Aldermen's Concerns About Readiness
The city's 911 dispatch system hasn't been updated in more than 30 years.
September 23, 2026
The first phase of Chicago's switchover to a new 911 dispatch system got underway on Tuesday, despite pushback from aldermen and union leaders who claim the system is not ready.
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City leaders said people who call 911 on Tuesday should not notice a difference as the Office of Emergency Management and Communications launches its new computer-aided dispatch system. But some union leaders said first responders have already noticed changes, including glitches in the system that are causing some confusion.
The city's 911 dispatch system hasn't been updated in more than 30 years. In 2019, the city signed a nearly $75 million contract with provider CentralSquare Technologies to replace that aging system.
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