Cincinnati Rolls Out ‘Text-to-911’ Technology

‘Call when you can, text when you can’t’

CINCINNATI – The City of Cincinnati has implemented a new technology that offers residents the option to text 9-1-1 in emergency situations when they are unable to place a phone call.

Residents are still advised to call 9-1-1 whenever possible. However, the Text-to-911 system offers an additional communication tools for persons in Cincinnati who are physically unable to talk on the phone. This could be because a person suffers from hearing and speech impairment, or because they are in situation where talking on the phone may draw too much attention to them (e.g. active shooter or domestic situations).

Previously, the Emergency Call Center (ECC) was only able to receive messages via the TTY service generally reserved for the hearing impaired.

Councilwoman Amy Murray, Vice Chair of the City’s Law and Public Safety Committee explains, “This new technology allows for the ability to send a text message to reach 911 emergency call takers from a mobile phone or device. Text-to-911 will provide one more option to get emergency help when it is needed.”

Text-to-911 is available on all major cell phone carriers. The system is also operational in most of Hamilton County, all of Butler County and Indiana. Plans call for the implementation of the technology in other parts of the Tri-State later this year.

Councilwoman Murray expressed appreciation for the leadership of City Manager Patrick Duhaney and ECC Director Jayson Dunn for their work to provide local first responders with the tools they need to help residents in need as quickly as possible. “Text-to-911 is the next tool on the cutting-edge of safety when every second counts,” she said.

“Text-to-911 offers a vital new resource that gives our residents another way to ensure they get help in their time of need,” added City Manager Duhaney. “This is another important step the City is taking in the enhancement of our Emergency Communications offerings and overall City services.”

With the support of Mayor Cranley and City Council, the City Administration has made numerous enhancements to the Emergency Communications Center as part of the City’s ECC Action Plan. Most recently the City launched Smart 911, a technology that helps reduce response times and improve outcomes by providing first responders with additional vital information about the person calling 9-1-1.

Residents can sign up for Smart911 at www.cincinnati-oh.gov/smart911.