Text to 9-1-1 now available in Los Altos

The Los Altos Police Department is pleased to announce its official launch of Text to 9-1-1 capabilities.

On Wednesday, September 25, 2019 at 10:30 AM, Santa Clara County 9-1-1 Communications and the County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors held a joint press conference to announce the launch of Text to 9-1-1 service within the County of Santa Clara, including the City of Los Altos and other participating jurisdictions.

The Text to 9-1-1 method of calling 9-1-1 should only be used in an emergency situation, when placing a call is not possible: For instance, if the caller is deaf, hard of hearing, speech impaired, or when speaking out loud would put the caller in danger.

An emergency situation is defined as an inherently dangerous situation demanding an immediate response on the part of the police officer. Non-emergency calls, requests and non-urgent tips will not be accepted through the Text to 9-1-1 service. At this time the Text to 9-1-1 feature is only available in English.

“The Los Altos Police Department is pleased to introduce this much-anticipated Text to 9-1-1 feature, enhancing communications between the Police Department and our community, particularly members of our community with access and functional needs,” explains Andy Galea, Los Altos Police Chief. “We want to remind community members that texting 9-1-1 is just as serious as dialing 9-1-1 and texts should only be sent during emergencies when calling is not possible.”

Depending on the mobile phone or device location, Los Altos Police Communications or another Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) will receive the initial Text to 9-1-1 message. If it is determined that the fire department or medical assistance is needed in the City of Los Altos, the text session will be transferred to Santa Clara County Communications.  County Communications will further assist by gathering information via text message, dispatch help and provide appropriate instructions while help is on the way. Individuals who contact 9-1-1 through text will be encouraged to make a voice call to 9-1-1 if possible.

For routine business calls, the public should continue to contact the Police Department 24-hour business line at (650) 947-2770.  Emergency callers may dial 9-1-1 or program cell phones to dial our alternate emergency line at (650) 947-2779.