The Franklin Township Police Department in Somerset County has launched a new system that allows residents to send a message, instead of calling 911 during an emergency.

The Next Generation 911 (NJ911) service is designed and valuable for those individuals who are unable to make a voice call during an emergency. Whether due to a speech or hearing impairment, a dangerous situation where speaking could cause harm, or where a data signal is not available.

The service works as a regular text conversation. Anyone can message 911, sending it directly to the dispatch center, where they will immediately respond.

"With any emergency, time is of the essence and every second counts, so with this service now you can get immediate response in those moments that calling 911 is not feasible or not safe, you can still get that same service," explains Vincent Wilson, captain and officer in charge.

Here is how it works and how to send a message:

Franklin Township Police Department asks residents not to send videos, photos, emojis or group messages. Also, to avoid slang or abbreviations. Instead, residents should text the location and emergency.

The department is only the second one in the state offering the service so far. They say calling 911 remains the best option.