Motorola acquires RapidDeploy to improve 911 response

Motorola Solutions has acquired RapidDeploy, a cloud-native provider of Next Generation 911 (NG911) solutions.

The acquisition aims to enhance the capabilities of public safety agencies by integrating RapidDeploy’s technology into Motorola’s existing portfolio, which includes VESTA 911 and VESTA NXT.

Todd Piett, Senior Vice President of Command Center and Cloud Solutions at Motorola Solutions, told Cities Today the potential impact of the acquisition: “During an emergency, seconds matter. In acquiring RapidDeploy, we’re bringing rich data streams–like a caller’s hybrid-device-based location, crash data, and indoor floor plans–into the broader emergency response workflow.”

RapidDeploy’s cloud-based technology is designed to provide 911 operators with access to real-time data, such as caller location, indoor floor plans, and live communications like text messages and video streams. By integrating these capabilities with Motorola’s existing platforms, the goal is to improve the speed and accuracy of emergency response.

Piett explained that VESTA NXT, which uses AI to assist call handlers, will benefit from this data integration, allowing for quicker extraction and summarisation, helping emergency responders act more quickly and with better information.

The acquisition also addresses the scalability and interoperability needs of urban environments, where the volume and complexity of 911 calls can vary.

“RapidDeploy’s solutions are already in use by cities across 24 states,” Piett added. “From an apartment building fire to a multi-car accident, cities have to be prepared to deal with emergencies of all magnitudes.”

The integration of RapidDeploy’s technology with Motorola’s systems is expected to further support public safety agencies in these diverse scenarios, improving coordination and response times.

The long-term vision for the acquisition includes continued innovation in NG911 technology. Piett discussed how this acquisition will play a role in enhancing situational awareness:

“RapidDeploy’s technology provides real-time, precise location data and the ability to share rich context with 911, such as video streams and text messages. This allows for more informed decisions when dispatching resources.”

In the US, 911 services are typically the responsibility of local or city governments. While federal and state regulations set guidelines and standards, the actual operation and management of 911 systems, including Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs), fall under local government jurisdiction.

City governments are tasked with overseeing the infrastructure, staffing, and technology needed to provide effective emergency response services.