Suffolk County now has the first major police department in the New York area to adopt technology that allows text messages to be sent to 911, The Post has learned.

Police officials and County Executive Steve Bellone will announce on Thursday the “Text to 911” program.

“We’re the largest police department in the region and we’re the largest county in New York State to have text-to-911 up and running,” Chief of Department Stuart Cameron told The Post in an exclusive interview.

The “first-of-its-kind” program, which is now in effect, could be a lifesaving change for those who can’t pick up the phone and make a call.

“It allows the hearing- and speech-impaired to very easily be able to contact 911 for an emergency, and it really equalizes the playing field for them as far as getting emergency assistance,” Cameron said. “In the past, they would have to have the availability of a TTY [telecommunication] device.”

Cameron also emphasized how this capability could provide help to anyone who would put themselves in greater danger by making a call, such as those in the midst of an active shooter situation or victims of domestic violence.

“There’s more tools in the toolbox to help,” Cameron said. “Call if you can — text if you can’t.”

Cameron suggested people who can make the call do so, noting that text messaging can cause back-and-forth correspondence that might delay the emergency response process.

“What we do recommend is that in the initial text message, the person tell us where they are and what kind of assistance they need, which … would allow us to immediately send them help,” Cameron said.

Police had been testing a beta version of the program since July to ensure it worked with all phone services, he said.

Other counties in the state that have implemented Text-to-911 capabilities include Erie, Onondaga, Monroe, Rockland and Dutchess counties.

Despite initial promises that New Yorkers would be able to text the NYPD in an emergency by early 2018, the Big Apple’s police department does not yet have that capability.

“This first-of-its-kind program in the region will enhance public safety for all Suffolk County residents,” Bellone said in a statement to The Post. “Anyone will be able to contact our Police Department to report an incident and receive assistance via text.”