NEW YORK (AP) — More police departments are exploring technology that would allow 911 emergency dispatchers to receive text messages, photos and videos in real time from people who need help.

When gunshots rang out at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, last month some patrons took cover and frantically texted relatives to call 911. They couldn’t text 911 directly because Orlando is among many U.S. cities that don’t have that capability.

Many municipalities are looking for ways to implement the 911 texting service as an option when voice calls are too dangerous. New York City has been studying it for nearly a year.

Some cities are concerned an overuse of texting in emergencies could slow response times and cost lives.