Text-To-911 Now An Option Across Indiana

Monday, June 4, 2018 at 9:41 AM

By Mike Perleberg @mikedup84

All 92 Indiana counties can now accept 911 calls via text message in situations where callers cannot speak.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - Indiana is the only state where 911 operators can initiate text messages after receiving a dropped or disconnected 911 call.

Statewide 911 Board executive director Ed Reuters tells the Associated Press that Indiana is the nation’s leader in technology regarding text-to-911 systems. Residents in all 92 counties can now ask for help during emergencies via text message if they are unable to speak to dispatchers.

It has been four years since Indiana's dispatch centers were authorized to begin accepting texts. Today, dispatch centers receive between 500 and 600 text-to-911 calls every day.

While many people in need of emergency help should still contact 911 with a traditional voice call, the text message option could become handy in certain situations. Examples include a situation in which somebody cannot speak, is hearing impaired, or hiding from an intruder.

Wireless phone users should only use the text option when calling 911 is not an option, the 911 board advises.

Events

All Saints Parish Fish Fry
Join us from 4:30 to 7:00pm each Friday during Lent at the St. Martin Campus Hall for a delicious Fish Fry Dinner.
Mar 27, 2026 at St. Martin Hall
Petersburg Volunteer Fire Department Fish Fry
Fish fry-ocean perch
Mar 27, 2026 at Petersburg Community Center
St Teresa Fish Fries
St Teresa Renowned Lenten Fish Fries will run from February 20th through March 27th From 4:30-7:30
Mar 27, 2026 at St Teresa Parish Community Center

Bridge Painting Project Planned on U.S. 50 in Aurora

The project is expected to be complete in late July.

Lawrenceburg Students Create Mural for Lawrenceburg Civic Park

Be sure to stop by Civic Park to check it out and support the incredible work of our young artists!

Dearborn County Man Sentenced 35 Years for Shaking 20-Month-Old

Following his release from prison, Sartin will serve five years on supervised probation and will be prohibited from having contact with minor children.