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From: ralphs@halcyon.wa.com (Ralph Sims)
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.telecom
Subject: Re: E911 Experience
Message-ID: <9869@accuvax.nwu.edu>
Date: 17 Jul 90 15:24:52 GMT
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X-Telecom-Digest: Volume 10, Issue 496, Message 2 of 10


eli@pws.bull.com (Steve Elias) writes:

>> Calling 911 about once a year for assorted emergencies has resulted in
>> prompt, efficient service. But I have a contingency plan for that day

> I imagine that San Jose has reasonable 911 services, but in many
> cities, it's true that "911 is a joke."  Why should they hurry when
> it's "just another gang murder"?

I would like to believe that the law enforcement services are a little
more concerned than _that_.  Interviews with big-city mayors produce
the feeling that there _is_ concern and they really _want_ to do
something about their city's problems.  My feeling is that 911 centers
dispatch the calls as they should; the problem seems to be with the
{law enforecement, fire department's} response to those calls.

911 (especially E911) works!  The system is in place in virtually all
of the continental U.S. and is accessed by millions of people a year.
I'm going to try to get some stats on 911 useage, etc., and will place
them here for perusal.