911 Dispatch Center

The Communications Center is composed of one Communications Coordinator and eight Communication Technicians. The Communication Center serves as the city's Public Safety Answering Point and exists as the vital link between the residents and visitors of the City of Gillette, and all public agency emergency and non-emergency responders. You can learn more about the Communications Center by watching this video on the City of Gillette's YouTube Channel.

Text-to-911

Text-to-911 service is now available in Gillette and Campbell County. Text-to-911 allows mobile phone users to use SMS messaging to contact dispatchers in emergency situations. This does not replace calling 911 to report an emergency; rather it is an added service to better serve our community. This service is available throughout Campbell County if you have text messaging included on your phone plan and your provider has coverage. Calling 911 is preferable to texting.

When to use Text to 911

• If silence means safety, or if speaking isn't possible
• If you are deaf or hard of hearing.
• If you are unable to speak into the phone.
• If your safety will be compromised by speaking out loud.
• If your cell phone signal is low.

How to Use It

• Enter 911 in the "To" field.
• Enter brief details of your situation, including your location (they won't automatically know where you are).
• Push send.
• Answer the dispatchers questions.

Tips on How to Use

• Use simple language.
• Do not use slang or text abbreviations.
• Do not send pictures, videos, or emojis.
• Do not text and drive.

Why Calling 911 is Still the Best Option

• Voice calls are real-time communication, and Text-to-911 is not. As with all text messages, messages to 911 may take longer to receive, may get out of order, or may not be received at all.
• Photos and videos cannot be sent to 911.
• Text-to-911 cannot include more than one recipient. Group texts will not be received.
• Text GPS location information is not equal to current wireless-location technology.

Texting is not the most reliable way to communicate, especially in an emergency. Text messages can be delayed by your service provider or received out of order. If you are texting because of safety concerns, make sure your phone is on silent. Text-to-911 is not available in all areas. You should receive a message from your service provider indicating if you are in an area that does not support Text-to-911. If you do not receive a response when using Text-to-911, call 911 to report your emergency. Text to 911 is for emergency uses only. Non-emergency use of Text to 911 will be prosecuted.