The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce Text-to-9-1-1 will be available October 1, 2020 to all of Pinal County. This allows residents in need of emergency services to reach a first responder via text when calling is not an option.

Dispatchers at all of the following agencies are trained and ready to accept Text-to-911:

• Casa Grande Police Department
• Coolidge Police Department
• Eloy Police Department
• Florence Police Department
• Gila River Indian Community Police Department
• Pinal County Sheriff’s Office
• *For agencies not listed, PCSO will respond to the text and verbally relay the information to the Dispatch Centers.

The primary use of Text-to-9-1-1 includes:

• When an individual is deaf, hard-of-hearing, or has a speech disability.
• In situations where it is not safe to place a voice call to 9-1-1.
• During a medical emergency that renders the person incapable of speaking

How to text 9-1-1 in an emergency:

• Enter the numbers 911 in the “To” field
• Always provide your exact location and the nature of your emergency
• Push the “send” button
• Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions
• Avoid text abbreviations or slang
• Photos and videos cannot be sent to 9-1-1.

Messaging & Things to Know:

• As with all text messaging, a Text-to-9-1-1 may take longer to be received, may be delivered out of order, or not received at all.
• Text-to-9-1-1 is not available if your cellular device is in “roaming” status.
• A text or data plan is required to place a Text-to-9-1-1.
• You will receive a “bounce back” message when texting is not available.
• Photos and videos cannot be sent to 9-1-1.
• Text-to-9-1-1 cannot be sent to more than one person.
• Do not text and drive!

“Having the option to text our 911 Operators will help us ensure all residents have access to emergency services, no matter what the situation” said Sheriff Mark Lamb. “Call if you can, text if you can’t.”