Why do they call the police 12?
The widespread phenomenon of dialing "911" (or equivalent numbers in other countries) in emergency situations has been ingrained in our minds, but have you ever stopped to wonder why emergency services are linked to a specific number, and that number is not just random? The answer lies in a fascinating blend of technological advancements, communication strategies, and historical circumstances.
Contents
- 1 Early Days of Emergency Services
- 2 The Concept of “999” – The First Dedicated Emergency Number
- 3 The Development of Automatic Emergency Call Systems
- 4 Why 911? And What About Other Numbers?** So, why did the United States choose **911** over other numbers like 9114, 111, or even 001? It is believed that the idea of **911** arose from the first three-digit codes assigned to the Western Union Telegraph Company in 1951: 991 and 999. While the number **911** was already in use in the US military, **the American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T)** acquired the rights to it and implemented the system nation-wide**. Other numbers like 411 (Directory Assistance) and 1313 (toll-free directory assistance) were similarly introduced during this period. **Today, many countries adopt different numbers based on geographical or linguistic reasons**: • In Japan, emergencies are responded to using phone numbers **110** and **118** for police, fire, and ambulance, respectively. • In Mexico, **060** and **065** are dedicated numbers for emergencies. • In India, **100** is used for the Police Emergency Response System. • In Germany, emergencies are responded to using the phone number **110**, with additional numbers for special cases (e.g., **112** for Europe-wide emergency response). Conclusion
Early Days of Emergency Services
In the early days of telephony, emergencies were often responded to using makeshift methods. In some cities, the police force had a designated "Red Call Box" where members of the public could turn a handle to alert officers. However, this primitive system was unreliable and impractical for widespread use. With the advent of payphones and direct dialing in the early 20th century, the need for a standardized emergency number arose.
The Concept of “999” – The First Dedicated Emergency Number
The first dedicated emergency number, "999," was introduced in the United Kingdom in 1936 as part of the London Telegraph Telephone Exchange (TTX). This number was deliberately chosen to be easy to remember and differentiate from the usual directory inquiry number at the time (100-150). The novelty of "999" proved popular, and it gradually became the de facto emergency number in the UK and other countries.
| Country | Original Emergency Number | Replacement Number (if changed) |
|---|---|---|
| United States | – | **911 (introduced in 1957)** |
| Canada | – | **911 (adopted in the 1950s and 60s)** |
| United Kingdom | **999 (introduced in 1936)** | – |
The Development of Automatic Emergency Call Systems
As technology evolved, the concept of Automatic Emergency Call Systems (AECs) emerged in the 1950s and 1960s. These systems allowed multiple lines to be connected simultaneously, enabling more efficient handling of emergency calls. One such system was the famous "311" system implemented in New York City, which streamlined emergency service response by assigning specific officers to handle various types of emergencies.
Why 911? And What About Other Numbers?**So, why did the United States choose **911** over other numbers like 9114, 111, or even 001? It is believed that the idea of **911** arose from the first three-digit codes assigned to the Western Union Telegraph Company in 1951: 991 and 999. While the number **911** was already in use in the US military, **the American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T)** acquired the rights to it and implemented the system nation-wide**. Other numbers like 411 (Directory Assistance) and 1313 (toll-free directory assistance) were similarly introduced during this period. **Today, many countries adopt different numbers based on geographical or linguistic reasons**:
• In Japan, emergencies are responded to using phone numbers **110** and **118** for police, fire, and ambulance, respectively.
• In Mexico, **060** and **065** are dedicated numbers for emergencies.
• In India, **100** is used for the Police Emergency Response System.
• In Germany, emergencies are responded to using the phone number **110**, with additional numbers for special cases (e.g., **112** for Europe-wide emergency response).
Conclusion
In conclusion, **911** became the United States’ primary emergency phone number due to a convergence of technological advancements, efficient communication strategies, and geographical influences. This number served as a starting point, leading to the widespread implementation of emergency numbers worldwide.
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• In Mexico, **060** and **065** are dedicated numbers for emergencies.
• In India, **100** is used for the Police Emergency Response System.
• In Germany, emergencies are responded to using the phone number **110**, with additional numbers for special cases (e.g., **112** for Europe-wide emergency response).
