Why the Police are Called 911
The sound of the sirens is unmistakable, and when we hear it, we know that help is on the way. But have you ever wondered why the police are called 911? It’s a question that has puzzled many of us for years, and in this article, we’ll dive into the history and explanation behind this phenomenon.
A Brief History of Emergency Services
Before we get to the answer, let’s take a brief look at the history of emergency services. In the early days, emergency calls were handled by local police departments, and the process was quite informal. As the population grew and urbanization increased, the need for a standardized system became clear.
In the 1920s and 1930s, cities began to establish dedicated emergency services, such as fire and ambulance departments. These services were usually operated by local governments, and the process of getting help was still quite chaotic.
The Birth of 911
The concept of a single, universal emergency number began to take shape in the 1960s. In 1967, the United States Congress passed the Emergency Telephone Act, which provided funding for the development of a national emergency number.
After years of experimentation and testing, the number 911 was chosen in 1973. It was selected because it was easy to remember, easy to dial, and had no significance to any specific geographic location.
Why 911 and Not 119 or 112?
You may be wondering why the number 911 was chosen and not something else, like 119 or 112. The reason lies in the early days of telephone technology.
In the 1960s and 1970s, most phones were rotary dials, and the first three digits (the area code) had to be dialed using the finger holes. The combination of 1-1-1 was the easiest to dial quickly and accurately, making it the ideal choice for a universal emergency number.
How 911 Works
So, how does the 911 system work? Here’s a breakdown of the process:
- When you call 911, your phone connects to the nearest Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), which is usually a dedicated emergency center.
- The PSAP operator answers your call and asks for the nature of the emergency and your location.
- The operator then dispatches the appropriate emergency services, such as police, fire, or ambulance, to your location.
- The dispatch process typically involves sending information to the responding units via radio or computer, which allows them to arrive quickly and efficiently.
Key Statistics
Here are some key statistics that highlight the importance of the 911 system:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Annual 911 calls | 240 million |
| 911 calls per day | 660,000 |
| 911 response time (average) | 10-15 seconds |
| 911 answer rate | 95% |
Benefits of 911
So, why is the 911 system so important? Here are just a few benefits:
- Efficient Response Time: With 911, emergency responders can quickly respond to your location, thanks to the centralized dispatch system.
- Easy to Remember: The number 911 is easy to remember, making it simple to call for help in an emergency.
- Standardized: The 911 system provides a standardized process for handling emergency calls, ensuring that help arrives quickly and efficiently.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the police are called 911 because it was chosen as the universal emergency number in the 1970s. The combination of 1-1-1 was the easiest to dial quickly and accurately, making it the ideal choice. Today, the 911 system handles over 240 million calls per year, with a response time of 10-15 seconds and an answer rate of 95%. Whether you’re calling for police, fire, or ambulance, the 911 system is always here to help.
Common 911 Scenarios
Here are some common 911 scenarios and what you should do in each case:
- Medical Emergency: Call 911 if you or someone else is in immediate danger. Stay calm and provide as much information as possible to the operator.
- Fire: Call 911 if there is a fire and you need immediate assistance. Provide the location of the fire and any other relevant information to the operator.
- Police: Call 911 if you need police assistance, such as reporting a crime or suspicious activity. Provide as much information as possible to the operator, including the location and details of the incident.
Remember
In the event of an emergency, don’t hesitate to call 911. With the 911 system, help is just a call away!
