Fife Constabulary is the first Scottish police force to offer people a new way of getting in touch with emergency services – by text.

The innovative service was launched last week for Fife residents who are Deaf or who suffer hearing or speech impairments.

One text to Fife Police will put users in touch with three Fife emergency services: the police, Fife Fire and Rescue Service and the Scottish Ambulance Service.

Chief Inspector Alistair McKeen said: “This new service fills a gap, particularly in relation to 999 calls. Fife Police will co-ordinate 999 text message responses and pass on any emergency calls to Fife Fire and Rescue and to the Scottish Ambulance Service.

“Everyone who lives and works in Fife should have the right to be able to communicate freely with the emergency services, no matter their circumstances, and that includes people who are Deaf or hard of hearing. I would encourage these people to register with us for this new service.

“It is vital people register as we must know who is contacting us by text. This could be crucial in the event of an emergency when time is of the essence.”

Letters describing the new service and including registration forms have been sent to 350 people, thanks to the support of Fife Council's Deaf Communication Service.

Sign language interpreter Debbie Dougall said: “These days Deaf people use their mobile phones to keep in touch by text, just as hearing people do.

“This is why we welcome Fife Constabulary's decision to offer this new texting service. It is also empowering Deaf sign language users who can then have more independence.”