Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office could text you after you call 911

DENVER ( KDVR ) — The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is using a new tool that will text residents who have called for assistance with a multitude of options for interactions the office could encounter.

That means if you call 911 in Jefferson County from a cellphone, the office could text you back. Called PowerEngage, the “community engagement tool” will allow the sheriff’s office to text citizens with instructions or information before first responders get to the response location.

“PowerEngage represents a significant step forward in how we interact with and serve our residents,” said Sheriff Reggie Marinelli in the tool’s announcement. “By providing timely and relevant information through text messages, we aim to increase efficiency, ensure safety, and keep our community informed every step of the way.”

It’s not the same as text-to-911, which allows individuals to converse with 911 dispatchers via texting. Jeffcom911, the regional dispatch center in Jefferson County, will respond to texts from 911, but a voice call is always recommended as it provides dispatchers with more information.

The office shared a few examples of how the system could respond, such as in an incomplete 911 call:

“Jeffco Sheriff’s Office dispatch received a call from your number and deputies are responding to your location. If you need help, call or text 911 now. If you DO NOT need help, let us know by calling 303-271-0211. Reference incident number.”

Or an assault:

“This is the Jeffco Sheriff’s Office. Deputies are on the way. Do not confront dangerous persons. Wait in a safe location and do not disturb any involved evidence. Incident number.”

Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office also said it might use PowerEngage to gather community input on “various initiatives or plans” that the office is considering.

“Hearing directly from the community in a quick text is an easy-to-use method for citizens to provide input to help direct decisions moving forward,” the office said in a release.

The office might also use the tool to follow up with residents who have filed a report, sought a report or are looking for case updates.

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