Why police are called 12?

Why are Police Called 911 in the United States and 112 in Many Other Countries?

A Brief History

The number "12" has been a prominent figure in emergency services around the world. In the United States, people commonly call 911 for emergencies, while in many other countries, they dial 112. But why are these numbers so special?

To understand the significance of 12, we need to go back to the early days of telecommunications. In the late 1800s, telephone services were just starting to take off. Operators worked tirelessly to connect calls between parties, and emergency situations were handled manually. Each operator had a set of codes to communicate with police, fire, and medical services.

The Creation of 911 in the United States

In the 1960s, the federal government recognized the need for a standardized emergency number across the United States. After years of experimentation and development, September 10, 1968, marked the birth of the 911 system. AT&T, the dominant telecommunications company at the time, began testing the new system. The first 911 call was made in Haleyville, Alabama, on February 16, 1969.

Initially, 911 was met with skepticism and even criticism. Many argued that it would lead to prank calls and abuse the system. However, as public awareness and understanding of 911 grew, it soon became the norm.

The Spread of 112 Globally

Meanwhile, in Europe and other parts of the world, another number was gaining traction – 112. This number was first introduced in the 1970s and has since become a global standard. Over 80 countries have adopted 112 as their primary emergency number.

There are several reasons for this choice:

• Universal Accessibility: 112 is the same in every country that uses it, making it easier for travelers and foreign visitors to quickly reach emergency services.
• Technological Advancements: Modern technologies, such as cellphones and satellite phones, were designed to connect with the 112 network, further increasing its reach and convenience.
• Efficient Management: A single emergency number simplifies emergency service management, reducing the need for multiple phone numbers and minimizing confusion.

Why Not 113 or 117?

You might be wondering why other numbers like 113 or 117 weren’t chosen as global emergency standards. There are a few reasons for this:

• Number Space: The original frequency space allocated for telephone numbers, from 100 to 199, was already allocated to various countries for various purposes. This left fewer options for emergency services.
• Compatibility: Using the same number as another existing service or prefix would lead to confusion and interoperability issues.
• Regulatory Factors: Regulatory bodies, such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), have specific guidelines and recommendations for emergency services.

Conclusion

The origins of 12, either as 911 or 112, stem from early telecommunications and the need for a standardized emergency system. Today, 12 has become a universally recognized symbol of emergency assistance, connecting people to critical services around the world.

Remember, when in need, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local authorities by dialing 911 in the United States or 112 in many other countries.

Table: 12, the Global Emergency Number

Sources:

• National Emergency Number Association (NENA)
• International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
• The History of 911, by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
• "911: A History," by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)