The Navajo County Sheriff’s Office, Apache County Sheriff’s Office, Show Low Regional Public Safety Communications and White Mountain Apache Tribal Police Department have just rolled out a new instrument to keep our citizens safe and all have the capabilities to support Text-To-9-1-1 Services in our Emergency Communications Centers (ECC’s). The funding was funded through the State 9-1-1 Office and the software was able to be easily installed into our current Dispatch systems.
Residents of Navajo County, Apache County, and the White Mountain Apache Tribe will now be able to send text messages to 9-1-1 when making a voice call is not possible. Once the text message arrives at our ECC’s, the telecommunicator will be able respond to your request for help.
This service will be beneficial to Deaf and Hard of Hearing Impaired, as well as to those who are in situations where they may not be able to talk, such as a domestic violence/hostage situation or for someone experiencing a medical emergency. If you are in an area where Text-To-9-1-1 is not available, you will receive a bounce back message that says the service is not available in your current location and to call 9-1-1.
Sheriff Clouse stated: “It’s exciting seeing new technology such as this become available for our residents and visitors here in Navajo County. Although we prefer one to call when you can but understand the deaf and hard of hearing may need this option and of course those who are in a life or death situation may need the option to text for help and now it’s available to everyone”.
Remember,
• Always contact 9-1-1 by making a voice call if you can,
• And if you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech disabled, and text to 9-1-1 is not available, use a TTY or a Telecommunications Relay Service, if possible.
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