I got an email describing the *77 feature on cell phones.  Has anyone heard of this?

Apparently the *77 is a direct line to police dispatchers and it's available on cell phones in all of the 50 states.
The info said that the *77 feature is a means of contacting police if you are followed by an unmarked car with a red light on it trying to stop you.  I've always known that it's ok to not stop for unmarked police cars (or ones looking like unmarked police cars) which are attempting to pull you over, that you should go to a public place, for safety.  The info said that the correct procedure is to put on your flashers and proceed to a safe public location like a gas station and if you have a cell phone to use the *77 feature to directly let police dispatchers know what you are doing.

In one reported case a woman was followed by an apparent unmarked police car, she used *77 to phone a dispatcher, they quickly checked if a police car was operating in that area and found none, then they sent out marked police cars and apprehended the follower who turned out to be a convicted rapist.  I've not used a cell phone much and had never heard of this.  Interesting.  I assumed the cell phone was good for contacting police during such a situation, but it looks like this feature makes a more direct connection, if I've been told correctly.


Linda


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no, I was not aware of this feature.  I hope I can remember about it should I ever need it.


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CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO~ http://tinyurl.com/69q52a

Has anyone checked to see if this is just an "urban legend" passed around on the net or if it is accurate information? Might be worth calling your local police or state police to verify.


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It is somewhat true and based on another urban legend.  I will refer you to the bible of urban legends, snopes.com

The #77 legend:

http://www.snopes.com/horrors/mayhem/fakecop.asp

The following ICE legend is true and a good safety tip for everyone to know.  It is about putting an ICE (In Case of Emergency) phone number in your cell phone for emergency personnel.  As you will read in the Snopes link, the LA Fire Dept. recommends using ICE in addition to standard forms of identification since every method has pros and cons.  That being said, when my daughter left her cell phone at a restaurant, they got me immediately by calling MOM.

http://www.snopes.com/crime/prevent/icephone.asp

When you run across these Internet stories, they can be quickly verified or discounted through Snopes.com

Vicki


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That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

In other words: 911 is still our best and safest option.


_________________
Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity & Micro masks, ResScan 3.4, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.