The new technology is one way law enforcement officials are trying to keep pace with a growing number of emergency calls placed by cell phones. Seventy percent of 911 calls are placed from a cell phone, said Attorney General Christopher Porrino, citing data from the Federal Communications Commission.
But there are moments when people can't talk on the phone for various reasons, but can send a text message, Porrino said. For instance, if a person is deaf or hard of hearing, it could be more efficient for them to communicate via text message.
New Jersey is joining a growing number of states that allow people in emergency situations to send a text message to 911, officials announced on Wednesday. anywhere in N.J.
"This is an important advancement for the 911 system, for law enforcement, for anyone who lives, works and travels here in New Jersey," Porrino said.
More than 650 emergency call centers in nearly 40 states have the capability to field text messages, the FCC reports. Approximately 200 of those call centers made the text-to-911 upgrades in 2016.
