Text-to-911 in AZ

Text-to-911 service is available in every Arizona county, including Maricopa County. Arizona Department of Public Safety+1.

How to use Text-to-911 in Gilbert

• During an emergency, open a new text message in your phone’s  messaging app.

• Enter “911” as the recipient.

• Type your message clearly stating the nature of the emergency and your exact location.

• Send the message.

Text-to-911 is intended for emergencies only, such as when you cannot make a voice call (e.g., due to speech disability, danger, or being unable to speak) 

Important tips

• Voice calls are preferred if possible, as they allow faster information gathering 

• Include your exact location — texting does not automatically send your GPS to 911 

• Use plain English, avoid abbreviations or emojis, and keep messages concise 

• No multimedia (photos, videos) is supported — only text is allowed 

• Ensure your phone has an active text plan; Text-to-911 may not work without service 

• Response time can be slower than voice calls, so be prepared for delays 

Non-emergency contact

For non-emergency police matters, use Gilbert PD’s non-emergency number: (480) 503‑6500.