Contra Costa County adds “Text to 911” service

This months, the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office announced a new “text to 911” service for citizens communicating with the county’s 911 dispatch centers.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the service works within areas covered by the county’s 911 dispatch center (ie. Danville, Alamo, Diablo). San Ramon’s text to 911 service also began earlier this year.

The Sheriff’s Office says citizens should always attempt to make a voice call to 911 in a life-threatening situation, but in situations in which a voice call is not possible, citizens can communicate via text message. Citizens must sent the text to “911” and should include the exact location of the emergency and if you need police, fire or an ambulance.

They also ask that users keep text short with no abbreviations, jargon or slang. The service cannot receive any photos or videos, is only available in English and is typically slower than calling 911, according to the Sheriff’s Office.