Overburdened 911 Phone Emergency System

* Re Patt Morrison’s April 23 column: Since the 911 system already contains the dialer’s name and address, a software program could be installed whereby the 911 operator could generate a postcard to be sent to the errant dialer. This first warning would explain that the 911 system is for genuine emergency situations only, and that a repeat occurrence will result in a heavy fine.

This could help to educate that portion of the public who have real life confused with the soap operas and TV talk shows they watch. Perhaps a soap opera segment could kill off a hero by tying up the 911 lines, and bring about an outcry for a 311 system for nonemergency police calls.

JOHN CORR

Los Angeles

* Regarding “911 Is for a Crisis, Period,” editorial, April 18:

Los Angeles is not the only California emergency agency that is overwhelmed. I am a law enforcement dispatcher and I can verify that many other departments are struggling to finance an educational campaign concerning the misuse of 911.

Many people seem to think that 911 is a free call, but what they don’t know is that we pay for this service. In 1976, California established the Emergency Telephone Users Surcharge Act, which taxes all phones at a rate of 3/4 of 1% a month. These funds are put into the emergency telephone number account and average $70 million a year. None of this money is given to police or fire agencies.

In the past five years Gov. Pete Wilson and the Legislature have misappropriated over $49 million from this account and put it into the general fund. This money should be used to raise public awareness and promote 311 throughout the state.

KATHY RALLINGS

Long Beach

* “Unanswered Calls Still Plague 911 System” (April 17) cites the rising problem of nonemergency calls clogging 911 lines. The article overlooked some of the measures being taken to curb this problem, such as the efforts of the Cellular 911 Education Task Force, a partnership of the California Highway Patrol, the state 911 program, the Cellular Carriers Assn. of California and local public safety agencies.

Cellular 911 users should only call 911 to report emergencies that require immediate action. Cellular 911 should not be used to obtain weather reports, general information or directions. Callers should know their location and the location of the emergency and should be prepared to provide CHP dispatchers with their cellular telephone number and area code.

LEAH A. SENITTE

Manager, 911 Program

Department of General Services

Sacramento