Natrona County residents can now contact emergency services by text when calling isn’t an option.
The Casper-Natrona County Public Safety Communications Center (PSCC) is proud to announce the launch of texting capabilities as an edition to their wide range of emergency services. For over a year, PSCC has worked with local leadership, multiple organizations and cell phone carriers to make this service available to all of Natrona County.
If a user is otherwise unable to contact 911 through a phone call, they can now text. Telecommunicators will receive the communication on the same console as voice calls. Texts, which present as a ring like a voice call, are answered by a telecommunicator who then dispatches the most appropriate first-responder agency — police, emergency medical services, fire, animal protection and others.
Even with this new capability, residents are still highly encouraged to call if they can. Calling 911 is always the preferred method because in most cases, information can be shared more efficiently. However, in some instances calling is simply not feasible, which is why PSCC is proud to offer this new service.
When texting 911, it’s crucial to use plain English. Shortened expressions used in casual text conversations may not be clearly communicated. Icons such as emojis should also be avoided.
“This new service could be a life saver for people with speech and hearing disabilities,” said Casper-Natrona County Public Safety Communications Center Manager Lori Jackson. “Texting could also be crucial when making a phone call may put victims at risk.”
According to the Federal Communications Commission, wireless carriers and other providers of text-messaging applications are required to deliver emergency texts to call centers that request them.
PSCC operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and is the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for all calls received within Natrona County. PSCC dispatches calls for service for the Casper Police Department, Casper Fire Department, Natrona County Sheriff’s Office, Mills Police Department, Evansville Police Department, Natrona County Fire District, Wyoming Medical Center (medical service units), Mills Fire Department, Bar Nunn Fire, Evansville Fire, Salt Creek Emergency Services (Midwest/Edgerton), Airport Fire and Rescue and Casper Mountain Fire Department.
PSCC is a division of the Casper Police Department. The Casper Police Department is dedicated to the protection and safety of our community through the highest standards of professionalism in police services.