Van Buren County Launches Text-To-911

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cellphones-31

Van Buren County’s Central Dispatch can now accept text messages sent to 9-1-1. The Text-to-911 service will work from anywhere in Van Buren County, and it’s been being tested since early May. All four major wireless carriers were finally brought into the system late last month after the first provider went live with the program in May, followed by two more in mid-June. The sheriff’s department says calls are still preferred, but in the event that’s not possible, they can now take in texts. They also are reminding people it’s only for emergencies, and it can’t be used in a group text message. The system is also not equipped to handle photos or video.