Why they call the police 12?

Why They Call the Police 911, Not 12

The number 911 has become synonymous with emergency services, and it’s hard to imagine a time when it wasn’t the go-to number for people in distress. But have you ever wondered why it’s called 911, and not 12? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of emergency services and explore the reasons behind the choice of 911 as the universal emergency number.

The Early Days of Emergency Services

Emergency services have been around for centuries, with the first recorded emergency response dating back to ancient Greece. However, it wasn’t until the late 19th and early 20th centuries that emergency services began to take shape as we know them today. In the United States, the first emergency telephone exchange was established in 1878, and it wasn’t until the 1950s that the concept of a single, universal emergency number began to gain traction.

The Birth of 911

The story of 911 begins in the 1950s, when the Alabama Department of Public Safety, in conjunction with the American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T), conducted a study on the feasibility of a single, nationwide emergency number. The study found that a three-digit number would be the most effective, as it would be easy to remember and dial quickly in emergency situations.

Why Not 12?

So, why not 12? There are a few reasons why 12 wasn’t chosen as the emergency number. One reason is that 12 was already being used as a prefix for business lines, which made it less desirable as an emergency number. Additionally, 12 was considered a "busy" number, as it was often associated with the 12 o’clock hour, when many people were at work or school. This made it less likely that people would remember 12 as an emergency number.

The Final Choice: 911

After considering several options, including 11 and 12, the committee settled on 911 as the universal emergency number. The number 911 was chosen because it was easy to remember and dial quickly, and it didn’t conflict with any existing phone numbers or prefixes. Additionally, 911 was considered a "distinctive" number, meaning it stood out from other numbers and was less likely to be confused with other numbers.

The Implementation of 911

The first 911 call was made on February 16, 1968, in Haleyville, Alabama. The call was made by U.S. Rep. Tom Bevill, who dialed 911 to test the system. The call was answered by Alabama State Trooper Jack Killian, who was the first person to answer a 911 call.

The Evolution of 911

Since its inception, 911 has undergone significant changes and improvements. In the 1970s, 911 was standardized across the United States, with the creation of the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) to oversee the development and implementation of 911 systems. In the 1980s, 911 became a mandatory service, with the passage of the 911 Act of 1984, which required all states to establish a 911 system.

The Future of 911

As technology continues to evolve, so too does the 911 system. Today, 911 systems are becoming increasingly advanced, with the use of Next Generation 911 (NG911), which allows for the transmission of multimedia files, such as photos and videos, to emergency responders. Text-to-911 and voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls are also becoming more common, allowing people to make 911 calls from their mobile devices and VoIP phones.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the choice of 911 as the universal emergency number was a deliberate one, chosen for its ease of use, memorability, and distinctiveness. From its humble beginnings in Alabama to its current widespread use across the United States, 911 has become an integral part of our emergency response system. As technology continues to evolve, it’s likely that 911 will continue to adapt and improve, providing people with a reliable and effective way to get help in emergency situations.

911 Statistics

Here are some interesting statistics about 911:

• In 2020, there were over 240 million 911 calls made in the United States.
• The average response time for 911 calls is around 10 minutes.
• The majority of 911 calls (around 70%) are for medical emergencies.
• The most common 911 call types are medical emergencies, followed by police and fire.

Table: 911 Call Types

Bullets: 911 Services

• Police
• Fire
• Medical
• Ambulance
• Emergency Medical Services (EMS)