Brown County Emergency Situations Can Be Reported Through Text Messaging

Brown County 911 Texting Program

Brown County, WI - In April of 2017, Brown County Emergency Personnel implemented a new service which allows citizens to text 911 in the event of an emergency. It was originally implemented to help those who have trouble speaking or hearing; however, it has become useful in situations where the person needing emergency assistance is in fear for their safety. 

How to Use 911 Texting Services

• Begin a new text message on your cellular device/smartphone. In the "To" field where you would type a contact name or phone number, enter 911.
• In the message, you will need to include important pieces of information to help dispatchers respond to your emergency. Do not use abbreviations or slang in your messages.

Always include the following information:

• Your location. Always give an exact address if possible. While we may think that our cell phones tell police exactly where we are, that is not always the case.
• A brief description of your emergency or the emergency situation.
• If you are in a vehicle, include as much information about the vehicle as possible. Color, make, and model of the vehicle, license plate number if possible, and a general area of where the vehicle is at and which direction you are travelling.

After you send your message to 911, a dispatcher will reply to you via text message and begin the process of sending help your way.

Important Reminders About Texting 911 (Brown County Dispatch)

• Sending a fake text to 911 through your phone is against the law just as calling in phony 911 emergencies. Texting or calling in something that is not a true emergency can result in a fine and even lead to being arrested.
• If you are in an area where your phone may be "roaming", texting 911 may not work. If the text does not work, you will receive a return text stating the message could not be delivered.
• Always call 911 if you are able to as it allows dispatchers to get as much information as possible in the fastest manner possible. This will help emergency personnel get to you as quickly as possible.

Follow us on Facebook & Twitter