Messages By: snoopy28173

Quote From: castle41

  I have been a 9-1-1 call-taker/dispatcher in 3 localities between 1986 and 2003.  Enhanced 911 was a wonderful invention (approximately 1985).  It routed each 911 call thru a central data base and made the exact  location of the caller available on the call-taker's screen.  This system is so good, I once saw a "location" from a caller in a rooming house: "Third floor, last room on the left."

   Unfortunately the GPS chips in cell phones aren't perfect, and are not likely to ever be.  Far too many people have given up their land lines (wall phones), and are relying entirely on their cell phone service for all calls.  This is a mistake.  If the batteries in your cell phone haven't been charged lately, your call might not get through to the dispatcher.  The GPS chip on your cell phone can, at best, give your location to within 100 yards.  That's not good enough!  Especially if you are in a multiple family dwelling.  When you call 911 from a land line, the dispatcher knows your exact location.  If you are unable to speak, an officer  will be dispatched immediately in most localities. 

   Don't call 911 on a cell phone unless you have no choice.  Don't give up your land line.  It might save your life some day or the life of a family member.