Kingsport 911 now accepting emergency messages via text on smartphones

Kingsport police officials announced Wednesday that their 911 operations now have the capabilities of accepting emergency calls via text on smartphones.

KPD spokesperson Tom Patton wrote that the option is currently available to only AT&T customers but Verizon and T-Mobile are expected to enable the feature in the near future.

He also noted that calling 911 is still the preferred method and it’s why they have adopted the slogan: ‘911: Call if you can. Text if you can’t.’

Patton also gave some tips to future texters including refraining from using emojis and citizens should never use text shorthand in their emergency message.

(IMAGE: KPD TN)