Newport News residents will soon be able to Text-to-911 to send emergency messages to 911 dispatchers from their mobile phones and devices. The Newport News Police Department (NNPD ) wants residents to know, in the event of an emergency, citizens you should still voice call 911 if you can. By calling, dispatchers can gather more information, listen for distress in a caller’s voice and gather background information – all important information for first responders when going to an emergency.
Text-to-911 should only be used for the following situation.
- If you need help, but cannot safely speak on the phone or are unable to speak. (Examples include abduction, domestic violence or active shooter situation.)
- If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech disabled and there is no TTY available.
When using Text-to-911, it is most important for callers to provide their location first. Then, explain the emergency and be prepared to answer questions, if possible. Please do not send photos or videos to 911, and do not copy others on the message to 911 as Text-to-911 messages cannot include more than one person. As a reminder, 911 is to be used for emergencies only. Citizens can reach NNPD on the non-emergency line at 757-247-2500 .
Stay tuned for when Text-to-911 is fully implemented and available to the community. For more information, visit www.nnva.gov/textto911 .
You will soon be able to text emergency messages to 911 dispatchers. Learn more in today’s issue of Newport News Now. https://t.co/yy4erKi7Pv pic.twitter.com/HKrspr5CAd
— City of Newport News (@CityofNN) June 2, 2020