Text-to-911

Text-to-911 is a service that is intended to benefit people who may not be able to speak or hear in an emergency.  A voice call is still the preferred and most efficient method for contacting 911. CALL IF YOU CAN, TEXT IF YOU CAN'T.
 
Text 911 if you need EMERGENCY police, fire or medical aid AND you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech disabled; OR if you cannot speak due to a medical emergency OR when a voice call might endanger your life or escalate the situation.

 

How to Send a Text-to-911

  1. Open your mobile phone’s text messaging program.
  2. Enter the numbers 911 in the “To” field.
  3. Type a message with the location of the emergency (including city) and the nature of the emergency (what is happening and whether you need police, fire or medical assistance).
  4. Press the “Send” button or arrow
Be sure to keep your phone with you and powered on.  Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 911 Dispatcher.  If you are trying not to be overheard requesting help, remember to silence your phone.


Things to Remember

  • Keep text messages brief.
  • Reply as quickly as possible.
  • Do NOT use group texts, abbreviations or emojis.
  • Text to 911 is only available in English.
  • Photos and videos cannot be received at this time.


Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I send a Text to 911 from any mobile device?
    • No, the mobile device you text from requires a mobile phone number with a wireless carrier which allows the device to send and receive text messages.
  • Are texts to 911 quicker than a call?
    • No, voice calls are still the preferred method of contacting 911.  While Paradise Valley PD processes text messages in the same manner as voice calls to 911, texts are not as efficient as voice calls.  Call takers cannot hear background noise to better ascertain the situation, and there are inherent delays when sending or receiving text replies. Remember, call if you can, text if you can’t.
  • What if I accidentally send a text to 911?
    • If you accidentally send a text to 911, please send a reply stating that it was a mistake, and there is no emergency.  You may be asked to provide your location and name.