NCJ Number
75619
Date Published
1972
Length
15 pages
Annotation
Following a brief overview of the origins of the 911 concept, this report summarizes a 1972 conference sponsored by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on progress made in establishing 911 as the universal emergency telephone number throughout the United States.
Abstract
In 1968, the American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T) announced that it was prepared to offer the 911 system throughout the country, and the FCC issued a report endorsing the single, nationwide emergency telephone number. Representatives from Congress, AT&T, metropolitan police departments, and concerned professional associations reviewed the progress and problems encountered by 911 at a June 1972 conference. A congressman who had been a strong supporter of 911 opened the meeting by noting that only 200 communities had adopted the system and that progress had been impeded by jealousies between local police and fire departments, as well as public complacency. Difficulties presented in areas where telephone boundaries do not coincide with political boundaries were discussed by an AT&T official. He also provided information concerning research studies, statistics on the extent of the 911 system, and costs. A New York City police inspector described that city's 4 years of experience with 911, including its use of computers and public information materials. Suggestions for communities considering a 911 system were offered. In addition, the concerns of fire departments regarding 911 were explained by the manager of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, who indicated that this association would probably not support the system. The District of Columbia's 911 system operated by the police department was also described, including technical data and costs. A speaker from the International Municipal Signal Association commented that although his organization had recently endorsed the 911 program, problems involving the lack of coincidence between telephone exchanges and political boundaries in many communities were insurmountable. This lack of cooperation between jurisdictions was also emphasized by a deputy director of the National Association of Regional Councils. Buffalo and Omaha were mentioned as examples of success with 911. Remarks on the Federal Government's efforts to encourage 911 concluded the meeting. The discussion following the speeches explored tariff charges and the need for an automatic location identification system.