Contact 911 by Text Message

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New Jersey is joining a growing number of states that allow people in emergency situations to send a text message to 911 instead of calling.

The new technology is one way law enforcement officials are trying to keep pace with a growing number of emergency calls placed by cell phones. 70% of 911 calls are placed from a cell phone.

There are moments when people can’t talk on the phone for various reasons, but can send a text message, for instance if a person is deaf or hard of hearing, it could be more efficient for them to communicate via text message.

According to NJ.com, more than 650 emergency call centers in nearly 40 US states have the capability to field text messages, the FCC reports. Approximately 200 of those call centers made the text-to-911 upgrades in 2016.

While the text-to-911 program advances the current 911 system’s technology, it’s still not equipped with the most up-to-date 911 software, known as Next Generation 911. Among other 911 enhancements, NextGen offers dispatchers the capability to not only receive text messages but photos and videos as well.

Dave Weinstein, chief technology officer and head of the state’s Office of Information Technology, said the state is hoping to start taking bids for NextGen either this year or next year.

Chris Rodriguez, director of New Jersey’s Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, said text-to-911 could be especially beneficial in active-shooter situations where people are unable to speak on the phone. He cited the night club shooting in Orlando as an example.

“The text-to-911 capability will allow, in the event that the unthinkable happens in our backyard, the public to be able to, in a safe way, text to 911 and provide vital information to first responders arriving on the scene,” Rodriguez said.

He said about 70% of active-shooter situations end in less than five minutes before first responders can get to the scene.

These cases, however, are rare and extraordinary. Emergency officials stress that a voice call is a preferred method of calling 911. A call to 911 allows the dispatcher to collect vital information faster than texting.