During the wild rice season that ran from mid-August to the end of September last year, seven individuals went missing in the dense waters of Lower Rice Lake, an area known for its challenging navigation due to tall wild rice, which can reach heights of 4 to 6 feet. Utilizing a sophisticated mapping technology, the dispatch team of the White Earth Tribal Police Department successfully rescued all seven individuals, demonstrating the effectiveness of their emergency response system.
Amy Evans, the dispatch supervisor for the White Earth Tribal Police Department, played a pivotal role in implementing a software called RapidDeploy. This innovative mapping service integrates with 911 systems and utilizes GPS data from mobile providers like Apple and Google, enabling dispatchers to accurately determine a caller’s location. Evans, who previously worked in Mahnomen County, introduced this technology with the belief that it would significantly enhance safety during the ricing season, which commenced on September 10, 2023.
“The accuracy of the system is impressive,” Evans explained. “I can tell you exactly where they are by GPS coordinates, accurate within three to ten meters.” This precision is particularly crucial in remote areas where traditional cell tower coverage is limited.
Dispatchers can manually input a phone number into RapidDeploy, which then sends a text message to the caller with a link to share their location. If the recipient permits location sharing, dispatchers can track their movements live, receiving updates every 20 seconds. This feature not only aids in locating lost individuals but also enables callers to communicate directly with dispatchers and share real-time video footage.
In emergencies, individuals can dial 911 even without service. The system allows dispatch to send a message clearly stating which agency is involved and includes a secure link. When opened, this link shares the caller’s current location with dispatch, displayed on a real-time map.
While RapidDeploy is not a tracking tool, it offers significant advantages in emergency situations. “When we end the call, they receive a message that states, ‘Your session with 911 has ended. If you have an emergency, call 911,’” Evans noted. “Once I close it, they can’t send me another text.”
The technology is not limited to ricing season. It will also assist during hunting season and can help locate individuals on ATV or snowmobile trails, as well as facilitate incident reporting on snowy roads.
Recently, dispatcher Anna Paul utilized RapidDeploy to locate two enrolled tribe members who became lost while ricing in Blackduck, Minnesota, located north of Bemidji. Rather than passing the case off, Paul remained engaged in the rescue effort. “They had been walking through the woods all day and were lethargic, dehydrated, and cramping,” Evans recounted. “Paul wanted to ensure she could find them.”
Paul expressed that the investment in RapidDeploy has improved the department’s response times significantly. “It’s definitely nice to be in a department that wants to utilize new technology,” she stated.
Dispatcher Andy Dorman, who joined the department in 2017, reflected on the advancements in technology and resources. “The technology and resources have just skyrocketed,” he said, emphasizing the positive impact on their operations.
As the White Earth Tribal Police Department continues to leverage RapidDeploy, the focus remains on enhancing public safety and ensuring a swift response to emergencies, particularly in challenging environments. The department’s commitment to adapting to innovative solutions could set a new standard for emergency services in remote areas.
