Text with 911 Service Available for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Speech Impaired Communities

The Cornwall Police Service's (CPS) dispatch centre has implemented a Text with 911 service that allows CPS dispatchers to communicate by text message to the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Speech Impaired (DHHSI) communities via their mobile phones in an emergency.

The Text with 911 service was activated in 2018, following extensive testing of the new technology and training of emergency personnel. 

It is important to note that Text with 911 is only intended to be used by members of the DHHSI communities, and will not be available for the general public. Voice calling remains the only way to communicate with 911 services for a person who is not deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired.

What is Text with 911?

• Text with 911 provides CPS dispatch the ability to communicate with a DHHSI person’s registered cell phone during an emergency, using wireless text messaging (SMS).

Before You Can Use Text with 911:

• A Deaf, Deafened, hard of hearing or speech impaired (DHHSI) person wanting the ability to use the service must register for it with their wireless service provider.
• Calls to 911 from an unregistered phone will not be identified as being able to use the Text with 911 service.
• Mobile phones must also be compatible and meet Text with 911 requirements. This can be verified with the DHHSI person’s wireless service provider.

How does it work?

• When the DHHSI person requires emergency services, they dial 9-1-1 on their cell phone. Even if the caller can’t speak, the dispatcher should receive an indicator that advises them to communicate with the caller via text messaging. The dispatcher then initiates text messaging with the caller to address the emergency.

For more information about Text with 911 and to view Frequently Asked Questions, please visit www.textwith911.ca