News Flash Home
The original item was published from 4/13/2020 8:34:30 AM to 4/13/2020 8:37:33 AM.

News Flash

City of MPK Citywide News

Posted on: April 13, 2020

[ARCHIVED] Monterey Park Police Department Now Accepting Text-to-911 Emergency Calls

MPK News Release-MP Police Department Now Accepting Text-to-911 Emergency Calls

On April 9, 2020, The Monterey Park Police Department Communications Center implemented the ability for citizens to text-to-911 during emergencies. Text-to-911 service is available for those individuals who cannot safely make a voice call to 911 in an emergency. This will be a valuable service to the deaf and hard of hearing community. 

Text-to- 911 is available for those with wireless plans from AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless. Text-to-911 may not be available outside of Monterey Park. If a text is made to 911 where that service is not available, a message will be sent back to the phone advising the customer to make a voice call. 

Some situations when text-to-911 is appropriate:

  • Deaf, hard of hearing callers, or individuals with a speech disability
  • A caller who is unable to speak due to a medical or other condition
  • Emergency situations that would put the caller in danger if making a voice call such as abduction, domestic violence or active shooter situation

When texting to 911, follow these guidelines:

  • Provide your exact address or location
  • Explain the type of emergency or help that is being requested
  • Be prepared to answer any questions that the 911-telecomminicator texts back
  • Use plain language; do not use abbreviations, symbols, emoticons, or photos
  • Messages should be brief and concise

Texting 911 can be done by typing “911” in the field for a phone number. No other numbers need to be used. Texting should be done through your wireless phones text messaging service and not from third party texting applications. Text-to-911 does require an active telephone service plan with data or it will not work. 

The best way to contact 911 is by making a voice call. Please only utilize this service in emergency circumstances where a voice call is not possible or safe. Do not use this service to ask general questions or non-emergency calls. For non-emergencies, the Monterey Park Police Department can be contacted at 626-573-1311. 

Remember: “CALL if You Can, TEXT if You Can’t!”

 

Media Contact 
Lieutenant Gus Jimenez, Monterey Park Police Department
gjimenez@montereypark.ca.gov 
626-307-1231
www.MontereyPark.ca.gov 

Subscribe to City of Monterey Park news flashes at www.MontereyPark.ca.gov/NotifyMe

PDF version