Text To 9-1-1 Should Benefit Domestic Abuse Reporters

Fond du Lac County’s new Text to 9-1-1 service is expected to help domestic abuse victims who are in dangerous situations. County Communications and Emergency Management Director Bobbi Hicken says there are instances where it would benefit victims. She says, “The person who you are calling about may have no idea that you are communicating with 9-1-1 and we can get help on the way without agitating the person or letting them know we are coming.” Hicken says even when someone calls 9-1-1 and talks with a dispatcher they sometime have to talk in code so they won’t put a person at risk. She says, “They are not leading questions, but can you tell me yes or no does he have a weapon, yes, okay does he have a gun or does she have this. So that’s a great opportunity for us to get that information and not put that person at risk.” The Text to 9-1-1 service in Fond du Lac County went into effect last Friday.