In order to better protect Sonoma State students, the University Police Department is implementing a new, next generation 9-1-1 text service. This technology will broaden access for SSU community members who may be deaf, hard of hearing, have a speech disability, or who cannot safely call 9-1-1 in a dangerous situation.

The 9-1-1 text service is not yet live, but is anticipated to be available sometime this September at SSU. An announcement will be made on the University Police website once the service goes live, which will be no later than September 30, 2020.

There will be strict requirements concerning how the service is used, and even more strict consequences for those who misuse it. As many already know, it is a crime in California to make a false 9-1-1 call. Depending on the facts of the case, a fake emergency report could be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony–meaning that a person who reports a false emergency could face up to one year in county jail, or a $1,000 fine. It is also considered a crime to delay a peace officer in the performance of their duties, so sending unnecessary text messages that distract an officer from performing their duties may also be charged as a crime.

Although campus is currently limited in activities, Lieutenant Lee Swicegood reminds the campus community to “‘See something, say something’ and dial 9-1-1 for an emergency response anytime while on campus.” Even those who do not have hearing or speech impairments are encouraged to use the 9-1-1 text service if they cannot call or would prefer to report discreetly. Calling 9-1-1 in an emergency is still the preferred way to request help, but if that isn’t possible, the new text service will soon make it possible.

Oftentimes, people fear a negative or violent reaction from the person they are reporting, as it may be more dangerous to make a call than text. Making it known that one is calling the police can sometimes cause even more immediate danger to the caller. In many situations, an emergency texting service will make it easier and less frightening to report a crime. 

There are some limitations to the texting service, however. Users of the service should keep in mind that text messages should be brief, easily understood, and should not contain abbreviations, emojis, or slang. Users cannot include 9-1-1 in a group text or while roaming. Users should be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the police department. Lastly, emergency personnel cannot always determine location solely on location services information, so in the first text message sent, users should be sure to include clear information about the location of the emergency and the type of help needed.

The choice to implement this upcoming new technology was not left up to SSU. “The State of California Office of Emergency Services required all California police dispatch centers implement and execute launching the text 9-1-1 system based on Senate Bill 1211, which was signed into law,” according to Lieutenant Lee Swicegood. 

Swicegood says that the 9-1-1 text service will eventually be implemented statewide and many other local law enforcement and fire agencies are already equipped to receive 9-1-1 texts. This includes our very own Cotati Police Department, Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety, Santa Rosa Police Department, Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office, and more. 

Police departments across the nation are being scrutinized for their effectiveness in how well they protect people of color. Recently, many Americans have been calling for widespread defunding and reformation of the police, due to their overall lack of ability to protect certain community members. Executing this service now may be controversial due to the additional resources that were invested into creating and installing this service. But, it’s important to keep in mind that the intent of the service is to make it easier for everyone, even those that are not able-bodied, to request help from emergency departments. 

During such a contentious time as now, it is reassuring to know that the police department at SSU is developing and implementing a new service to try and protect everyone in our community more effectively.