Dallas

Text to 911 Helps Denton County Residents in Emergency Situations

The woman who survived being shot in Thursday's four-county chase did so in part by sending a text to 911 in Hunt County. It's one of several North Texas jurisdictions that now have that capability.

NBC 5 was granted access inside the Lewisville Police and Fire Dispatch Center. It's one of 33 cities in Denton County that has the text to 911 capability, and Mark Payne, the executive director of the Denco Area 911 District, says they average about 20 emergency texts a month.

Whether it's a bad connection, or just a bad situation, no matter what Denton County city you might be in, a text to 911 might be your best bet.

"So when the text goes off, I answer it by clicking, it says, 'I need assistance at 100 West Main, I'm having trouble breathing,'" said 911 dispatcher Scott Yowell.

On the computer screen, the conversation looks just like it would on your smartphone, and in cases like the Candie Price's kidnapping on Thursday morning, it was likely safer for her to text than call.

"There was imminent danger for children and the woman," Payne said.

But had Price tried placing the text to 911 while in most parts of Dallas County, the outcome may have been different.

Only six cities out of more than 30 in Dallas County have the text to 911 capability, including Highland Park and University Park. Police departments, including Richardson, tell NBC 5 that they plan to implement the program soon.

Payne says if you must text to 911, give a location and nature of emergency first, and don't write in shorthand or send video or pictures.

He also says don't try to group text because it won't work.

And he says always try to call 911 if possible.

"There's certain situations, like the abduction we saw yesterday as a prime example, where it may not be safe to a 911 operator. You can silently, covertly communicate," Payne said.

MORE: Click for more on Denton County's text to 911 program.

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