Redmond Announces New Text-to-911 Language Translation Service

The Redmond Police Department has unveiled a groundbreaking Text-to-911 language translation service, enhancing emergency communication for King County residents. This service is capable of translating text messages from at least 42 languages into English for dispatchers, ensuring that language barriers do not hinder emergency responses. Additionally, messages sent back to the texter are translated into their original language, promoting effective communication during critical situations. This initiative is especially crucial for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or in unsafe environments where making a voice call might be risky. Police Chief Darrell Lowe stated, "This new feature addresses language barrier challenges that previously required public safety telecommunicators to contact a third-party service for translating foreign language calls.

" The implementation of Text-to-911 is expected to expedite emergency responses significantly. However, the department still advises that calling 911 is the preferred method for those who can speak and hear. For non-emergencies, residents are encouraged to use the dedicated line at 425-556-2500.