Text-to-911 Service
Posted on 03/18/2025
Date: March 18, 2025
Re: Text-to-911 Service
Authority: Captain Robert Stuesser
Washington County Sheriff's Office Launches Text-to-911 Service
Washington County, WI – Effective immediately, the Washington County Sheriff's Office is pleased to announce the availability of the Text-to-911 service for residents and visitors in every municipality within Washington County. This new service allows individuals who are unable to make a voice call to 911 to send a text message during an emergency situation.
The Text-to-911 service is particularly useful for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech disabilities, as well as for those in situations where speaking aloud could put them in danger.
Sheriff Schulteis emphasizes the importance of this service:
"We know that there are times when making a voice call is simply not possible. Text-to-911 provides another critical lifeline to our community, ensuring that everyone can reach us in an emergency. However, whenever possible, we encourage people to call rather than text, as a voice conversation remains the fastest way to receive help."
The Washington County Sheriff's Office reminds residents of the following important guidelines when using the Text-to-911 service:
1. Call if you can, text if you can't. Voice calls to 911 are still the best and fastest way to get emergency services.
2. Provide your location. When texting 911, be sure to include your location and the nature of the emergency.
3. Keep it simple. Text in plain language without abbreviations or emojis to ensure clarity.
4. Text-to-911 cannot receive pictures or videos.
5. Text-to-911 is for emergencies only. Non-emergency text messages to 911 could delay responses to real emergencies.
6. It will take longer. Texting is not instantaneous and does not easily allow authorities to understand the details of the emergency you are reporting.
7. Text-to-911 is considered a “best efforts” service. There is no guarantee a text message will be sent, delivered, or received in a timely manner, if at all. Some mobile phones are not capable of sending Text-to-911 messages and not all counties in Wisconsin are Text-to-911 capable,
8. The preferred language for Text-to-911 is English. Translation services for text-to-911 are limited at this time.
9. If you accidentally send a Text to 911. Be sure to follow-up with a voice call to the Sheriff’s non-emergency line at 262-335-4411 and let the dispatcher know that it was an accident and there is no emergency.
The Washington County Sheriff's Office is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and visitors. The addition of the Text-to-911 service is part of our ongoing efforts to provide essential emergency services and improve access to 911 for everyone in our community.