Newport News residents can now Text-to-911. In the event of an emergency, the Newport News Police Department recommends that if you can voice call 911, you should. By calling, dispatchers can gather more information, listen for distress in a caller’s voice, and gather background information — all important information for first responders when going to an emergency.
Text-to-911 is the ability to send a text message to reach a 911 dispatcher from your mobile phone or device. Text-to-911 should only be used for the following:
- If you need help, but cannot safely speak on the phone or are unable to speak. (Examples include abduction, domestic violence or an active shooter situation.)
- If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech disabled, and there is no TTY available.
When you Text-to-911, it is most important to provide your location first. Then, explain the emergency and be prepared to answer questions, if possible. Please do not send photos or videos to 911. Do not copy others on the message to 911 as Text-to-911 cannot include more than one person. As a reminder, 911 is to be used for emergencies only. If it is not an emergency but you need to get in touch with NNPD, please call the non-emergency number at (757) 247–2500.
