Suffolk County Struggles To Resolve Software Glitch In New 911 System

YAPHANK, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Police officials on eastern Long Island are trying to fix a software glitch in a new 911 emergency system.

Problems with the new high-tech system are forcing police officers and operators to record emergency calls with pen and paper. Dispatchers are also using preprinted cards, with red ink signifying the high-priority emergencies that are radioed to officers in the field.

A top Suffolk County police official says technicians are trying to determine the problem with new $1.9 million system that went online Tuesday.

Within hours, the computer system froze and had to be shut down.

More than 25 technicians employed by the system's vendor were examining the problem.

Police say there have been no significant delays in service. The only problem was two police cars were dispatched to the same location.

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