9-1-1: Call If You Can, Text If You Can’t

Voice Calls to 9-1-1 Are Still the Best and the Fastest Way to Contact 9-1-1

The Fremont Police Department Dispatch Center is now accepting Text-to-911 services for the City of Fremont. Wireless customers can now send a text, up to 140 characters, to 9-1-1 in an emergency. Text-to-911 should only be used in an emergency situation, when placing a call is not possible: For instance, if the caller is deaf, hard of hearing, speech impaired, or when speaking out loud would put the caller in danger. An emergency situation is defined as an inherently dangerous situation demanding an immediate response on the part of a police officer. Non-emergency calls, requests and non-urgent tips will not be accepted through the Text-to-911 service.

If There Is an Emergency and You Are Unable to Make a Call, Remember These Steps

• Don’t text and drive
• In the first text message send the location and type of emergency
• Text in simple words - send a short text message without abbreviations or slang
• You are limited to 140 letters/numbers per text
• Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 9-1-1 call taker

Don’t Abuse 9-1-1 – Text to 9-1-1 Service Is Only for Emergencies

• It is a crime to text or call 9-1-1 with a false report.

The Text-to-911 Service Will Have Many Challenges

• A text or data plan is required to place a 9-1-1 text.
• As with all text messages, messages to 9-1-1 may take longer to receive, may get out of order, or in some rare cases, may not be received at all.
• If you do not receive a text response from 9-1-1, try to contact 9-1-1 another way.
• Photos and videos cannot be sent to 9-1-1 via text at this time.
• Text-to-911 cannot include more than one person. Do not send your emergency text to anyone other than 9-1-1. Voice calls to 9-1-1 are still the best and fastest way to contact 9-1-1.

Non-Emergencies

To place a non-emergency call or report a non-urgent (not in progress) tip, please call 510-790-6800 x3.