The Milpitas Police Department announces Text-to-911 services are now available in emergencies where the caller is unable to talk. Callers from subscribed cellular phones can send emergency text messages to our 24-hour Emergency Dispatch Center when the callers are unable to make traditional voice calls to 9-1-1. Text-to-911 does not replace calling 9-1-1, but the option is intended for:
• Callers who are hearing or voice impaired.
• Medical emergencies that render the callers incapable of talking.
• When speaking aloud could put the callers in danger by perpetrators potentially hearing the conversations with a 9-1-1 operator, such as 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 emoji’s, photos, or videos.
• Silence your phone if you don’t want anyone else to hear the incoming reply messages from the 9-1-1 operator.
Traditional voice calls to 9-1-1 are still the fastest way to reach emergency help and should always be the first option. The Milpitas Police Department is excited to offer Text-to-911 as a back-up option and to remind you to call 9-1-1 if you can talk, Text-to-911 if you can’t talk.
Press Release By: Communications Dispatch Supervisor John Clum
Date/Time: January 22, 2019; 4:00 PM
