The status of wireless 911 in Claremont

Wireless 911 has been problematic. Unlike a landline, where you know the exact jurisdiction in which the landline is located, wireless phones are obviously moving all over the place. While some have GPS, the positions of older phones can only be detected via triangulation between towers.

Pomona Neighborhood Watch noted the 911 capabilities in the neighboring city of Claremont.

When you dial 911 on your cell phone in the City of Claremont, the call no longer goes to the California Highway Patrol communications center; the call now goes to the Claremont Police Department communications center.

What's more interesting, however, is that the capabilities of the service depend upon your specific location, not just the city in which the phone is located.

If the caller is calling from the City boundaries the call could be sent to a surrounding city, additionally if the caller is calling from the freeway, within the City limits, the call is directed to the California Highway Patrol.


More here.