After numerous deadly mass shootings, police departments are exploring technology Out of more than 6,000 dispatch centers nationwide, a little more than 650 can accept texts with more than 150 making the text-to-911 upgrade this year However, emergency officials stress a voice call is preferred because a dispatcher can elicit details more quickly and see someone’s approximate location They warn overuse of texting could slow response times and cost lives that would allow dispatchers to receive texts, photos and videos in real time