Why Are Police Called 12? Uncovering the Origins of Emergency Numbers
When a crime is committed or a disaster strikes, people are instinctively taught to reach for their phones and dial the emergency number 911 or 112. But have you ever wondered where these numbers came from, and why they’re widely accepted as the standard emergency protocols around the world? This article delves into the history and evolution of emergency numbers, and specifically addresses the question: Why are police called 12?
The Pre-Emergency Era: Alarm Systems and Messengers
Before the advent of telephone technology, people used alternative methods to summon authorities. In ancient times, alarms were used to signal urgent situations, such as fire alarms ringing on city walls or conch shells blowing in ancient Greece. Similarly, messengers were sent to convey critical information between city officials or military forces. These primitive systems lacked scalability and efficiency, relying heavily on human intervention.
The Birth of Modern Emergency Numbers
The modern concept of emergency numbers emerged in the early 20th century with the widespread adoption of the telephone. In 1922, the London-based Post Office introduced Operator 999, allowing residents to call for help with a simple three-digit number. This innovation greatly streamlined the process, replacing cumbersome methods like sending messengers or using specialized alarm boxes.
Why Are Police Called 12? – An Early Experiment
When 999 was introduced in London, police officers weren’t initially part of the call-out system. The three-digit number was specifically reserved for the Fire Service. In 1929, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Lord Trenchard, requested a different three-digit code for police, which became “122”. Initially, this code was exclusive to the Metropolitan Police Force and not used by other agencies.
The Development of International Emergency Numbers (IEW)**
As communication systems expanded globally, the need for standardized emergency numbers arose. In the 1950s, the ITU (International Telecommunication Union) and the EU began working on a system of standardized emergency numbers, led by the ****.
**Key Milestones**
• **1969: The first international standard**, ITU-T Recommendation T.18, outlined guidelines for emergency numbers across nations.
• **1984: The EU issued its own standard**, using numbers 112 and 111 for emergency services in Europe.
• **1980s-1990s: Widespread adoption** of international emergency numbers, as countries incorporated similar systems.
Cross-Country Adaptation and Legacy**
Throughout the world, countries modified these standards to suit their needs. In the United States, for example:
* **911** (emergency number) was officially activated in 1968 and became the standard national number.
* **The E-911 Act (1984)** mandated wireline and wireless providers to supply location information to public safety agencies.
* **Toll-free numbers (866, 877, and 888)** allowed victims to report crimes from remote areas.
**Challenges and Controversies**
Despite the widespread acceptance of emergency numbers, concerns still arise:
* **Vulnerability to disruption** (e.g., outages, hacking).
* **False alarms and scams**.
* **Interoperability issues**, requiring coordination between agencies.
* **International differences** and the potential for ** caller confusion**.
**Why Are Police Called 12? – Conclusion and Relevance**
The modern police force has evolved alongside technological advancements. While initially designated as “122”, this code has largely disappeared with the global adoption of 911, 112, and other standardized emergency numbers. The question, “Why are police called 12?”, is mainly relevant to the early beginnings of emergency numbers and how countries adapted to these global standards.
In conclusion, this article has explored the complex history and evolution of emergency numbers, shedding light on the early days of Operator 999 and the rise of standardized international codes like 112. These measures have transformed the way people seek help in emergencies, enabling efficient and organized response systems worldwide.
Additional Resources: Recommended Reading and References**
Additional information and references provided:
* International Telecommunication Union (ITU) reports
* Historical articles from archives and publications
* Industry reports on emergency numbers
By understanding the complex narrative behind emergency numbers and **why police are called 12**, we appreciate the significant impact these developments have had on modern societies, fostering trust, quick responses, and improved communication networks.
