UNIVERSAL NATIONWIDE TELEPHONE NUMBER FOR STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES. FINAL REPORT
R H Sostkowski, A L Schmieg, R J Meedter · 1987
In this project, the State and Provincial Division of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), conducted an evaluation of a demonstration project to examine the feasibility of adopting a universal nationwide toll free telphone number for State Police and Highway Patrols. The number (1-800-525-5555) provides a universal toll free number for motorists, traveling on major State and interstate highways, to reach State Police and Highway Patrol agencies for reporting highway emergencies including traffic hazards, crashes, disabled motorists and traffic violations such as drunk driving. The evaluation effort was supported by a grant from NHTSA to help pay for the installation of equipment and to reimburse IACP for the staff time to develop and manage the project. The States were responsible for the costs of the telephone service. The universal toll free phone number for State law enforcement agencies is not designed to replace or to compete with the 911 emergency reporting system, but is intended to supplement that system by providing motorists, traveling from State to State on the major highways, with an effective and efficient means of contacting State law enforcement agencies. Results of the study concluded that there is a need for the law enforcement agencies to have automated recording systems for the toll free calls to provide consistent and comprehensive data for analysis. An example of this automated program is found in the Ohio State Highway Patrol project. Also in States that provide this service, (currently 13 States are on line) it is recommended that a more extensive public information campaign be provided for motorists traveling the highways so that they can be made aware of this innovative means of contacting State law enforcement agencies.