Some Chicago Suburbs Able to Text 911

To cooperate with federal law, some Chicago suburbs have unveiled a program that allows people to text 911 on their cell phones in the event that help is needed in an emergency.

Text-to-911 is a federal program that will eventually be available across the United States, but is currently only available in limited areas. By December 31, 2014, all cell phone providers will be required to provide their users with the capability of texting for law enforcement assistance. If the text message was unable to go through, the provider is required to send a message letting the person know their message was not received. While all call centers do not have the capability to receive text message communications, they are strongly encouraged to begin implementing this form of communication.

Early Adoption of Text-to-911 Program

The Text-to-911 program was unveiled by the Northwest Central Dispatch System in August. It had been in testing since December 2013. It allows users with Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile and AT&T to send a text message to dispatchers and receive a text message in response.

If a person lives in the following neighborhoods, they are eligible for Text-to-911:

• Arlington Heights
• Buffalo Grove
• Elk Grove Village
• Hoffman Estates
• Inverness
• Mount Prospect
• Palatine
• Prospect Heights
• Rolling Meadows
• Schaumburg
• Streamwood

The program came about after concerns were expressed that some people may not be able to make a 911 call without compromising their safety. It is also another way for those with hearing or speech disabilities to contact emergency services.

Text Messaging Should Not Replace Phone Calls for Help

It is important to realize that the service is not meant to replace a standard 911 call since the help received from a phone call will be immediate. Text messages will experience delays and there may be instances when a text message will not go through. It will also be difficult to pinpoint exact location using the Text-to-911 program. Using a cellphone means that the number cannot be tracked to a specific place for Dispatch.

Standard rules for text messaging will apply to the service as well. Phones that are in roaming or only connected to Wi-Fi will not be able to text 911. Furthermore, a person's cell phone must have a texting plan in order to use the service. Text messaging 911 calls can also remove a crucial piece of evidence in criminal defense cases. Often time cases rely on utilizing recordings from 911 for additional support in a case, especially when the recording provides keys to the crime.