FCC Allows Nonemergency 311 Number

To ease congestion on 911 emergency lines, the Federal Communications Commission made available to police departments nationwide Wednesday a 311 number that people can call in nonemergency situations.

It comes as calls about barking dogs, open fire hydrants and other non-life-threatening events have tied up 911 operators across the nation. That has diverted police resources and made it harder for those with an emergency to get through.

“We would get calls anywhere from a squirrel being in a home to a tree falling down. I can remember personally getting a call from a woman who lost a quarter at the Laundromat,” said Agent Robert Weinhold, a spokesman for Baltimore’s Police Department. It is operating a successful 311 pilot program.

President Clinton endorsed creation of the nationwide system last summer. Police departments around the country will have the option to use the 311 code, without having to seek prior approval from state regulators. Departments will not be required to use the new number.

The FCC also made available the number 711 on a nationwide basis to a special service that allows persons with hearing or speech disabilities to use the phone.

The volume of 911 calls has skyrocketed, averaging 268,000 a day nationwide, the Justice Department said.

Estimates of nonemergency calls range from 70% of all 911 calls in Norfolk, Va., to 90% in Arapahoe County, Colo. In Los Angeles, 325,000 frustrated callers hung up on 911 in 1995 after not getting help.