About the 911 system

The ASU Police Department communications center is equipped with enhanced 911 capabilities. 

These enhanced capabilities include:

  • Identifying which emergency responders will cover the area. 
  • Plotting the location onto a map. 
  • Providing the dispatcher with the caller's address, building name and phone number even when calling from a non-cellular phone. 
  • Recognizing a 911 call with or without dialing an 8. 

These capabilities are used in conjunction with the Computer-Aided Dispatching system, which tracks calls for service, hazardous information and records previous incidents or contacts at that location. 

Cellular tower compliance 

The system is Phase II compliant for cellular phones, which means that the closest cellular tower routes the phone call to the assigned police department for that area.

When a 911 call is made from a cellular phone, the dispatcher receives:

  • Carriers names.
  • Location of the cellular tower. 
  • Latitude and longitude coordinates of the phone.
  • Twenty-four-hour security phone number.

It does not pull elevation and will not identify which floor the caller is on. 

The information, along with the CAD mapping system, allowed the dispatcher to locate a caller even if they are moving or unable to provide a location. About half of the 911 calls received by the ASU Police Department are from cellular phones. It is essential to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Knowing the building name or a nearby landmark is sufficient enough to begin an emergency response. 

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