E-911

The Emergency Telephone System Board (ETSB)  is responsible for administering and maintaining the enhanced 9-1-1 system within Peoria County. 9-1-1 is an emergency telephone number that provides immediate and direct access to police, fire and ambulance services.

Peoria County also provides Text to 9-1-1 Service. Citizens can text emergencies to 9-1-1.

Peoria County has two 9-1-1 public safety answering points. One is in Bartonville and the other is in Peoria.

For more information, contact the Peoria County ETSB 9-1-1 Coordinator at (309) 697-8524.

Text 9-1-1 graphic with cell phone

Text 9-1-1 Service in Peoria County

The Peoria County Emergency Telephone System Board (ETSB) provides Text to 9-1-1 service in Peoria County.

Text to 9-1-1 only in an emergency situation where making a voice call is not an option.

  • Text 9-1-1 is a useful option for those in an emergency situation where they are unable to make a voice call. 
  • Examples can include: a home invasion, a domestic violence situation, an abduction, an active shooter scenario, or any other emergency situation that could put the caller in danger if they were to make a voice call.
  • Text 9-1-1 can also be used by those who are deaf, hard of hearing, have a speech disability, or are unable to speak due to a medical condition.

Text 9-1-1 Service may not be available in all areas.

  • If you send a text to 9-1-1, but Text 9-1-1 service is not available, you will receive an automated text message back indicating that 9-1-1 text service is not available. The message will tell you to make a voice call instead.
  • You must have an activated phone with a text or data plan to place a text to 9-1-1.
  • Text to 9-1-1 is not available if your phone is on "roaming" mode.
  • Text to 9-1-1 cannot be done through third party messaging apps (Google Voice, WhatsApp, etc.). Texting should be done through your wireless phone's text messaging service only.

How to Send a Text to 9-1-1 in Peoria County

  • Enter 911 (no dashes) into the "To" field for messaging. No other digits or numbers are required.
  • In the body of your text message, include the following information:
    • The address or exact location where assistance is needed
    • What the emergency is, and what type of help is being requested
  • Remember to...
    • Use plain language. Do not use abbreviations, symbols, emoticons, or emojis.
    • Keep messages as brief and to-the-point as possible.
    • Be prepared to answer any questions that the 9-1-1 telecommunicator may respond with.
    • If you are in a situation where receiving a text message back from the 9-1-1 communicator will put you in danger, please include this information in your first text.
  • The 9-1-1 telecommunicator will not be able to determine your location. Please remember to provide it to them.
  • Photos and videos are not able to be received via text to 9-1-1.
  • Text to 9-1-1 may take longer processing time than a voice call. 

Remember: CALL if you can, but text if you can't.

Helpful Documents

  1. Text 9-1-1 Service in Peoria County Informational Flyer (PDF)