Access the SOMA Message System by clicking on the message button at the top right, which looks like two talk comment boxes with speech bubbles.

Messages can be sent between users throughout the system. Messages are also generated by the system from BOLOs, the RMS and a variety of other sources.

Note: Messages are designed to be sent from person to person, not person to unit.

If there are unread messages, there will be a number in red indicating the number of unread messages.

Clicking on the message button will show the last seven days' worth of messages; however, clicking on the "Show Older Messages" button will show messages older than seven days.

Click in the search threads field to type in a name or part of a message to look for a certain conversation, such as a BOLO.

Start a new conversation by clicking on the pencil icon at the top right of the box to open a new message box at the bottom left of the screen.

Messages can be sent to a single user, multiple users, or groups. Click on "Add Chat Participants" and select the recipient by clicking on their name from the list or search by starting to type their name until you see it and then click it.

Multiple users can be added until you have everyone in the message. Messages can also be sent to groups located at the bottom of the list. Groups are built by the system admin. An example of a group message might be sent to all of the dispatchers and/or mobile users, informing them of a policy change. Once the recipients are picked, enter the message to send at the bottom where it says "Type Your Message".

Then, hit enter or click the little arrow to the right of the box. The message will be sent to the other user, and when they reply, their message will be seen in the same box.

Minimize the conversation by clicking on the title of the box so the title is the only thing that is seen at the bottom of the screen.

This message can be closed by clicking on the "X" at the top right of the box, and if another message is sent to the same user, the prior messages will be seen in the box.

NOTE: If multiple conversations are occurring at the same time, the boxes will be to the right of the prior conversation. It is very important to remember that all messages may be discoverable. They can be to court, the public, or the media. Don't send messages that you don't want your grandma to see.