Beginning on September 16, the Concord Police Department’s emergency dispatchers will be able to receive text messages on 911. Callers who are unable to make a traditional voice call can now use their cell phone to send emergency text messages to 911, which will be monitored by the department’s 24-hour Emergency Dispatch Center.
The new Text-to-911 service does not replace phone calls to 911. The option is intended for callers who:
- Are hearing or voice impaired
- Are incapable of talking due to a medical emergency
- May face danger if those persons victimizing them hear their conversations with a 911 operator, such as during an abduction, a home invasion robbery, or a domestic violence situation
Tips for Text-to-911 in an emergency:
- Provide the exact location of the emergency and describe what type of help is needed.
- Keep text messages simple, brief, and concise.
- Do NOT send electronic media, such as Emoji’s, photos, or videos.
- Silence your phone if you do not want anyone else to hear the incoming reply messages from the 911 operator.
We here at the Concord Police Department are proud to offer Text-to-911; however, traditional voice calls to 911 are still the fastest and preferred way to reach emergency help.
Watch the "how to" video here.