Jeff Davis County residents now have another way to request emergency assistance. The Jeff Davis County Sheriff’s Office has upgraded its communications system to allow residents to send text messages directly to 911 when they cannot safely make a voice call.
Sheriff Preston Bohannon announced that the new Text-to-911 capability connects residents directly with the Sheriff’s Office communications center, where dispatchers can receive messages and respond in real time.
The service is especially important for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as those who find themselves in dangerous situations where speaking aloud could put them at greater risk. When someone sends a text message to 911, a dispatcher can read the message, respond, and continue communicating with the person until the necessary assistance has been arranged.
How to Text 911
Residents who need emergency assistance but cannot safely make a phone call should:
- Open the text messaging application on their cellphone.
- Enter 911 in the recipient field.
- Type a brief message explaining the emergency and providing the exact location, if known.
- Send the message and watch for a response from the dispatcher.
- Answer any follow-up questions and follow the dispatcher’s instructions.
Messages should be clear and direct. Residents should provide their location as early as possible rather than assuming dispatchers automatically know where they are.
The new system supports plain-text messages only. Photographs, videos, and audio recordings cannot be sent or received through the service.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the system also has access to more than 240 two-way SMS languages, expanding its ability to communicate with residents who may need language assistance.
Calling 911 Is Still the Preferred Method
Although texting provides an important additional option, the Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that calling 911 remains the fastest and preferred way to request emergency assistance whenever speaking is possible and safe.
Voice calls allow dispatchers to ask questions quickly, hear important background information, and gather details needed to send appropriate emergency responders.
Text-to-911 should be used for actual emergencies when a voice call is not possible or could create additional danger.
If a text message does not receive a response, residents should attempt to call 911 when safe to do so. Text-to-911 availability can vary outside Jeff Davis County.
The new capability was made possible through a partnership with Axon911 and is part of the Sheriff’s Office’s ongoing efforts to improve emergency communications. For Jeff Davis County residents, the upgrade means that when an emergency occurs and speaking isn’t an option, help may now be just a text message away.
Remember: Call if you can. Text if you can’t.
