Frequently Asked Questions

911 in Grosse Pointe Park, as well as all of the Grosse Pointes and Harper Woods, can send and receive text message. Currently, Detroit 911 cannot accept text messages. See where you can text 911 in Michigan.

• The 911 system uses the location reported by your phone and directs the text to the appropriate 911 center. If you are close to a boarder, your text may be directed to another center. But just like 911 phone calls, text messages may be transferred between 911 centers.
• If text-TO-911 doesn't go through, you will get a 'bounce-back' message telling you to make a voice call to 911.

• Find the message or messaging icon or menu choice on your phone. Do not use a text app you downloaded. Select 'create a new text message'. Put 911 in the to: field. Put your emergency and your location in the message body. Do not attach or send pictures or videos. Keep your message short and do not use abbreviations. After you enter your text, press send.
• The 911 center will try to reply within 20 seconds to one minute. Please remember that Text-TO-911 is not a priority service. It can be delayed.
• Continue your dialog with the 911 center, and follow their instructions.

Make a voice call when you can. Text if you can't make a voice call, or if a voice call would put you in danger. Text-TO-911 is not as fast as making a voice call. The 911 center may ask you to make a voice call if you don't know your location.

If you call 911 and hang up before the call is picked up, or if the call is silent, meaning no one talks to the call taker, 911 usually attempts to call you back. If the call back call is not answered, and the call is from a cell phone, 911 can send a text to the phone to ask if you need assistance.

• You can't send more than 160 characters.
• Your phone must be able to send a text message. You can find out by texting a friend or family member to be certain.

• Text to 911