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Last updated on Thursday, June 16, 2016
(BLOOMFIELD) - The Greene County Sheriff’s Department now has the ability to receive 911 text messages, which can be used when calling is not possible or unsafe.
Sheriff Mike Hasler says the department has had the capability to send text messages when necessary, but the final "switch had to be flipped" to allow incoming text messages from those in emergency situations.
All 92 Indiana counties now have the ability to send and receive text messages.
According to the Indiana 911 Board, the text-to-911 program was deployed in 2014 in an effort to assist those in emergency situations where they are unable to speak or it is too dangerous.
Last year the outgoing text message program was implemented at the Greene County Sheriff's Department, but a series of projects -- including the necessary replacement of control systems -- delayed the new program.
With the implementation of the incoming text messaging ability, Hasler stressed the program should only be used when absolutely necessary.
"We recommend not sending a text message unless it is an emergency where you can't speak. We lose so much in a text because there is no emotion or background sounds," Hasler added.
Often times the situations in which it is better to text are in case of a medical emergency when the person is unable to speak, an abduction or a domestic situation in which it is unsafe to speak.
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