The Southfield Police Department is now equipped with Text 9-1-1- capabilities which includes translation services. This means you can text 9-1-1 in a language other than English and it will be automatically translated back and forth between you and the 9-1-1 Operator. 

Oakland County and most of the State of Michigan also offers Text-to-911 (see attached map). Note: Texting to 9-1-1 is not available everywhere.

Texting should only be used when you are unable to make a voice call to 9-1-1.

How to text 9-1-1 in an emergency:

1. Enter the numbers “911” in the “To” field;
2. The first text message to 9-1-1 should be brief and contain the location of the emergency and type of help needed;
3. Push the “Send” button.
4. Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 9-1-1 call taker.
5. Text in simple words – do not use abbreviations.
6. Keep text messages brief and concise.

Below are a few things to know if you need to text 9-1-1:

• Text messaging apps that only support texting with other app users or texting via social media are not required to support text-to-911.
• Text-to-911 rules do not apply to text messaging applications that do not support texting to and from U.S. phone numbers.
• Text location information is not equal to current location technology.
• As with all text messages, 9-1-1 messages can take longer to receive, can get out of order or may not be received.
• Text-to-9-1-1 is not available if you are roaming.
• A text or data plan is required to place a text-to-9-1-1
• If texting to 9-1-1 is not available in your area, or is temporarily unavailable, you will receive a message indicating that texting 9-1-1 is not available and to contact 9-1-1 by other means.
• Photos and videos cannot be sent to 9-1-1.
• Text-to-9-1-1 cannot include more than one person.
• Do not send your emergency text to anyone other than 9-1-1.
• Do not text and drive!

The FCC maintains a list of agencies nationwide that have text-to-911 capabilities. It can be found at https://www.fcc.gov/files/text-911-master-psap-registryxlsx.