There’s a new, quieter way to report an emergency in Peoria County.
On Mon., the Peoria County Emergency Telephone System Board rolled out its new 911 text service. ETSB chairman David Tuttle says it’s a valuable option for those who are unable to speak or hear, and the new service comes at no cost to the county.
“It’s a service provided by the telephone carriers," Tuttle said. "They did all the set up, and they provided all the testing and training, and provided us phones for testing all at no cost.”
Tuttle says calling 911 should be the first resort in the case of an emergency, but in some circumstances, like active shooter situations, texting might be the only safe option.
Carol Merna is executive director of the Center for Prevention of Abuse. Merna says she sees this being an important service for victims of domestic abuse.
“I think we’re going to see some people use it, and I think we’re going to find them safer,” Merna said.
Merna says many cases of domestic abuse go unreported because victims fear an abuser may get more violent if a call is being made.
The 911 text service is currently only available in English, but Tuttle says they’re looking into translation options for the new service.
Tuttle says voice calls are still the preferred method for reporting emergencies because it provides faster response and more accurate geo-locating for emergency dispatchers. The new text to 911 service is available for cell phone users with AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, US Cellular and Verizon Wireless.