UPDATE: The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is currently grappling with a significant disruption to its 911 system due to an ongoing power outage, which began around 6:02 p.m. Thursday. This critical failure affects emergency call handling within the sheriff’s jurisdiction, creating a pressing situation for residents seeking assistance.
Authorities confirmed that the outage is linked to the Vesta System, a third-party public safety call-handling platform. As the situation unfolds, the full extent of the outage’s impact remains unclear, heightening concerns for public safety.
In response to this urgent situation, the LASD has implemented a temporary solution: all 911 calls are being automatically redirected to patrol station business phone lines. This measure aims to maintain emergency response capabilities despite the outage, according to an LASD spokeswoman.
The department has mobilized its electricians to assess the malfunction and is collaborating closely with the telecommunications provider to restore full service as swiftly as possible. “We appreciate the community’s understanding and want to reassure our residents that we are taking all necessary steps to maintain emergency response services while this issue is being resolved,” the LASD stated.
As of 6 a.m. Friday, the outage persists, with no estimates available for when normal service will be restored. The situation underscores the importance of reliable communication systems in emergency services and the potential risks posed by such disruptions.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant and to utilize the redirected lines for emergencies until the issue is resolved. The LASD is committed to keeping the community informed as developments arise.
This incident highlights not just a technical failure but raises essential questions about the resilience of emergency services in the face of unforeseen challenges. Stay tuned for further updates as authorities work to rectify the situation.
