Signal Tribune Newspaper

Over the next few weeks, the City of Long Beach will begin to transition responsibility for answering wireless 9-1-1 telephone calls for service made in Long Beach from the California Highway Patrol to the city’s emergency dispatchers.

For years, a limited number of CHP dispatchers have answered the overwhelming majority of wireless 9-1-1 calls in California. The growing number of cell phones in use has led to delays in responding to calls for service as CHP dispatchers screened wireless 9-1-1 calls, determined the caller’s location and then transferred the calls to the appropriate public safety agency. Then those dispatchers would also have to query the wireless 9-1-1 caller.
Soon, Long Beach, like other major cities throughout California, will begin to directly answer wireless 9-1-1 calls for service made within the city limits. This responsibility will be thoroughly tested as it is being phased in, which is estimated to be complete by early 2009. There are six major wireless service providers serving the Long Beach area. After the phase-in and testing, the CHP will continue answering wireless 9-1-1 calls made from the vicinity of freeways, regardless of city boundaries.
“Long Beach prides itself with having some of the fastest response times to emergency calls for service within the state of California,” said Police Chief Anthony Batts. “Adding this level of assistance for wireless customers demonstrates our progressive nature in providing our residents with excellent customer service.”
In the event of a crime in progress or other emergency, the public should continue to call 9-1-1, regardless of whether they are using a traditional landline or wireless telephone.
“It’s important to remember that 9-1-1 calls are for immediate emergencies only,” Fire Chief David Ellis said. “Dial 9-1-1 when lives are in danger, to report a fire, or if someone has a serious injury or medical condition. Never dial 9-1-1 for directory assistance, to ask for directions or to report a non-emergency.”
The City of Long Beach is working with the California Highway Patrol, Los Angeles County, and wireless service providers to complete this project.