Denver is joining the list of cities letting residents text 911 for help through a program called 911NOW.
Other cities like Aurora, Broomfield and Jefferson County are already using the service.
Experts say a call is always better because dispatchers can get more information from you quicker, but in case it's too dangerous to call 911 for help, texting can be another option.
For example, if someone is hiding in a closet during a home invasion, a 911 text would keep the situation silent while the criminal is in the home.
911NOW includes three crucial tools: Smart911, Swift911 and Text to 911 that will help residents get the assistance and information they need quickly.
More police departments are looking into technology that would allow emergency dispatchers to receive text messages following the mass shooting in Orlando in June. During that mass shooting, some people took cover and frantically texted relatives to call 911. They couldn't text 911 directly because Orlando is among the many cities that don't have that capability.
