Text to 911 may be here next summer

McCOOK, Neb. -- Buffalo and Douglas Counties became the first to implement text to 911 services in Nebraska earlier this month and Red Willow County isn't far behind. The City of McCook Police Department handles 911 duties for Red Willow County and Chief of Police Isaac Brown anticipates texting to be an option this spring or early summer.

Chief Brown said the addition of texting as a means to report an incident to 911 dispatchers is certainly beneficial, however, he is very concerned with problems arising from misconceptions related to the new service.

"Texting to 911 is a whole different beast," said Brown, adding the service should only be used in two specific scenarios. "When the reporting person is either deaf or hearing impaired, or when they are in a life threatening situation and cannot call. Texting to 911 is very, very limited."

Unlike a regular call to 911, texting will not provide the location or a call-back number to emergency dispatchers. Dispatchers may not be able to respond to a 911 text either, or have limited response options, based on whatever texting service is provided by carriers in the area.

Chief Brown said educating the public on the benefits, proper use and limitations of texting to 911 will be very important prior to and during the initial launch of the new service in Red Willow County.

Chief Brown said he hopes the service is added this summer and added technical issues by carriers made it unlikely it would be in place any sooner.

The Nebraska Public Service Commission touted its efforts to get the new service rolling in a press release earlier this month. The commission worked with the Enhanced Wireless 911 Advisory Board and Public Safety Answering Points to provide funding and technical assistance to assist dispatch centers throughout the state with the upgrade. As of early January, the Commission had received applications for funding to implement Text to 911 Service from seven counties in Nebraska totaling $105,000 for three years.

The software and equipment upgrades will allow PSAPs to receive text messages from wireless callers and the 911 centers will then be able to process the text messages similar to traditional 911 calls, with minimal location information.

"This is only an initial step. While texting can be a useful tool, calling rather than texting when you can remains the better option for seeking help in an emergency," said Public Service Commissioner Jerry Vap.

Other commissioners touted the benefit of the service to the speech and hearing impaired community and said they would continue to work with public safety officials and agencies to ensure Nebraska's 911 system keeps pace with changing technology.

"Adding this feature will be a tremendous asset to those who need assistance but cannot risk being heard making a call, such as those reporting domestic violence or robberies in progress," said Commissioner Crystal Rhoades.

Statewide implementation isn't anticipated to be completed for several years. Those attempting to reach emergency assistance by text message will receive a bounce-back message indicating the service is not available and the need to make a voice call, if service is not available. The Federal Communications Commission mandated wireless carriers provide Text to 911 Service within six months of a valid request by a local PSAP. The Public Service Commission indicated it would continue to work in cooperation with PSAPs and the advisory board to improve the public safety network for all Nebraska citizens.

Chief Brown's comments came during the January Coffee with a Cop meeting. The February Coffee with a Cop meeting is scheduled for Feb. 10, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the McCook McDonald's and will include Red Willow County Sheriff Alan Kotschwar.