By: Richard L. Smith
Residents of Franklin Township now have a new and potentially life-saving way to reach emergency help. 
The Franklin Township Police Department, in partnership with Somerset County officials, has officially launched its Text-to-911 service, an advanced communication tool that allows people to contact emergency dispatchers through a simple text message.
According to a statement released by the Franklin Township Police Department, this system is designed to assist individuals who may be unable to speak during an emergency, such as those with hearing or speech impairments or those in situations where making a call could put them in danger.
Messages sent to 911 are routed directly to trained telecommunicators in the township’s police dispatch center, who respond by text and immediately coordinate the appropriate emergency response once the caller’s location and situation are confirmed.
To use the new system, residents should:
1. Open the phone’s text messaging app.
2. Type 911 in the “To” field.
3. Write a short message that includes the location and the nature of the emergency.
4. Send the text and wait for a reply.
Police officials stressed that the service is intended for situations where a voice call is not safe or possible.
Text messages should be brief and free of emojis, photos, or abbreviations.
“This is a significant step forward in modernizing emergency communication,” said Acting Public Safety Director Lloyd Fredericks.
“Our goal is to use technology in ways that enhance safety, improve response times, and strengthen our connection with the community.”
Sergeant Brian Farrar of the department’s Bureau of Communication and Technology called the rollout “a milestone in how police services are delivered in Franklin Township.”
The Franklin Township Police Department urged residents to become familiar with the new Text-to-911 option but reminded the public that calling 911 remains the fastest and most effective way to reach help in most emergencies.