Emma Witmer
Greene Publishing, Inc.
We have all heard it, “in case of emergency, call 911.” This emergency number was implemented in our nation so that those in danger could have easy access to emergency services, but what if placing that phone call could put you at an even greater risk? Sadly, this may be the case in situations of domestic violence, home invasion, robbery or in an active-shooter scenario. While emergency services are certainly needed, making any noise, much less making a phone call, could reveal your location and expose you to someone threatening your life. As recently seen in the Orlando terror shooting last month, hostages hiding in the bathroom sent out desperate texts to family members and friends, asking them to call 911, fearful that the sound of a phone call would make them a target. Additionally, those with severe hearing or speaking impairments have had trouble contacting the emergency services that they may need, due to their inability to communicate through a traditional phone call.
For these very reasons, 150 of our nation's 911 dispatch centers have begun following the “text-to-911” movement in the past year. These 150 centers have joined the more than 650 text-enabled 911 dispatch centers across the nation. As of now, “text-to-911” capabilities are only available in 10.8 percent of the 6,000 national 911 dispatch centers. Imagine the ability to text a picture of a crime or perpetrator directly to police or contact help without compromising your safety. These options would not only be helpful to the person texting in, but to the police and first responders as well. Currently, Madison County has not upgraded to receive emergency texts because the technology has not yet come to the area. However, there has been discussion with other counties who have already enabled 911 texting services, and they have attested to it being a positive feature. The Madison County Sheriff's Office plans to upgrade when possible. For a map of Florida counties with “text-to-911” capabilities, visit: http://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/telecommunications/enhanced_911/statewide_text_to_911_initiative.
While many are calling the “text-to-911” movement a lifesaving advancement, others worry about the risks that may go along with it. 911 texting services are not meant to replace 911 phone calls. When communicating over a phone call, information is relayed faster, and emergency services are able to track the phone call, pin-pointing the caller's location even if they are uncertain where they are. This is not the case in 911 texting services. Additionally, authorities are concerned that too many people will opt to text 911 rather than call, flooding the system and preventing those in need from receiving timely care. Because texting is considered a less formal form of communication, and is not immediately traceable, there are concerns that people will prank first responders by reporting a fake emergency, wasting time and resources. In response to concerns about “text-to-911,” dispatch centers with texting capabilities are promoting the expression, “call if you can, text if you can't.” This slogan is meant to encourage citizens to call if at all possible, but also informs them that if they are in a situation where it is necessary, they may text for help.