Update on the national emergency number 911

Abstract

The concept of a universal emergency number originated in Europe and in 1967 subsequently received federal government impetus for adoption in the United States. In 1968 the American Telephone and Telegraph Company agreed to clear the number 911 for any public safety agency and community groups that desired to develop a common public number for entry to local emergency services. Approximately 800 911 systems have been developed in the United States since 1968. In a large urban area a citizen requiring emergency assistance from area public safety agencies can be faced with choosing from over 200 emergency numbers. The choice depends variously on the location and time of day or week of the emergency. The 911 system concept was developed to transfer the agency selection process to the public safety agencies: taking it from a public generally lacking knowledge of emergency operations and telephone numbers. This paper discusses problems of public access and their resolution by 911 systems. Basic and advanced 911 systems are described. The finance, technology, operations, and management of the implementation of 911 are detailed. The description points out the necessary interactions between public support, various levels of government, and the telephone company. The difficulties encountered while resolving intra/interagency and jurisdiction disputes are stressed. Conclusions regarding the future of 911 are presented and center around the need for public support to smooth the way for cooperation among all public and private entities involved in 911.