“ASK A TROOPER” by Sgt. Jesse Grabow of the Minnesota State Patrol

Question: I have heard a person can text 911 if they need to. Can you explain what that is about?

Answer: Here is some information we shared on the Department of Public Safety’s blog.

Text-to-911 is a different way to get help when you can’t make a voice call. Texting should only be used when you can’t make a voice call. People who are deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing or speech impaired may use text-to-911 as a first contact option. Remember: “Call if you can, text if you can’t.”

How to text 911:

•             Enter the number 911 in the “To” field.

•             Text message should include your location and type of emergency.

•             Send the message.

•             Be ready to answer questions and follow instructions.

•             Use simple words.

•             Do not use abbreviations, emojis, pictures or slang.

•             Do not text and drive.

It is a crime to text 911 with a false report. If you accidentally send a text to 911, send another text or place a call to let the dispatcher know that there is no emergency.

A portion of state statutes were used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes. If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Trp. Jesse Grabow – Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2205.  (You can follow him on X @MSPPIO_NW or reach him at, jesse.grabow@state.mn.us).