to the police using, but blocking your # on your own cell phone, in a rather large city, they still know who you are and where you're calling from? they put you on hold allot. call me a rat i don't mind, i need to be able to walk in my own neighborhood, even getting my paper in the morning is dangerous. you would too, unless you were part of it all...
2006-09-14 16:15:42 · 18 answers · asked by lee f 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
No. If you make an anonymous tip and you block your phone number, even though they might put you on hold, they are not tracing your phone number. Police departments are very busy and putting you on hold would be common place. I was a dispatcher for quite a while, and we respected the privacy of those making tips. They are more interested in getting the information in solving the crime.
2006-09-15 01:16:00 · answer #1 · answered by daisymae 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends what number you call the police on. If you call 911 you can not block the number from showing up. If you call the routine line you can. I understand the reason for not wanting to leave your name but without a complainant there is often nothing the police can do. No matter what the crime, it is always helpful to the police if they have a witness to talk to. The officers did not see the offense and many times it is over or the people involved have left by the time they arrive. One suggestion for you is that when you call, tell whoever you speak to that you do not want the people involved to know it was you that called. Ask that if the officer needs more information he or she can call you but you don't want them to knock on your door. When you speak to the officer tell them you don't want to be named in the report either. Often, just being able to give the officer more information over the phone is of great help and can go a long way to resolving the problem.
2006-09-15 00:48:40 · answer #2 · answered by Mike 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most medium to large size cities can, in a matter of seconds, track a cell phone caller by their latitude and longitude to a specific location. That being said, they rarely use this method to identify a complaining party, unless the caller is in danger and cannot give their location. You are put on hold a lot because the call taker has to input and relay information to the dispatcher. Many times they will have you hold while the call is being dispatched, to find out if the responding Officer needs more information. If you are having a problem in your neighborhood, you shouldn't feel like a "rat". You also may get better results from the responding Officers if you do not insist on being anonymous. Allowing them to speak to you in person, or at least call you back if necessary, will help get your problem solved.
2006-09-14 16:22:39 · answer #3 · answered by dh1977 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
They can get the info for any caller from the local telco. Most of the blocks you place on your phone don't work when you call 911, but do on a busibness line. You cannot remain anonymous by calling from most numbers. There are ways to do it, but not from your home landline.
2006-09-14 17:05:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Anonymous means just that, anonymous. Unless you are dialing 911 the police don't care who you are. But understand, they give alot less priority to anonymous calls. If you want them to follow through with you information, ask then about making a "confidential" report.
2006-09-14 17:04:36 · answer #5 · answered by knzlt 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends. If you called the police station directly on their non emergency line then no, they don't know who you are and yes, it is anonymous. If you call 911 then no, it is not anonymous, no matter what the circumstance they can get your information because as soon as you call and say that it is an emergency or they suspect that it is at least a police officer is required to be sent to your house.
2006-09-14 16:44:04 · answer #6 · answered by Natty137 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I would have thought caller id hide is safe enough?? If you were a person under suspicion then it might be a different tale, but if you are reporting 'something' your call should remain anonymous. You go for it mate, far too often people pretend not to notice what is going on around them, if dont look after our well being, sure as bananas, no one else is going to (not in this day and age).
2006-09-14 16:43:54 · answer #7 · answered by tracy r 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think that you might be looking at things too hard.
If you block your number, then they can't find you. They would have to trace your signal, and they would not be able to do that unless they knew you were calling, and then they would have to set up a lot of equipment.
Make the call. Don't worry about it. If you are worried about it still, use a payphone.
2006-09-14 16:28:51 · answer #8 · answered by volleyballchick (cowards block) 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Your not a rat Lee, we have a right to be safe and damn it not enough people do anything about it!!!! thank you for your part!!
most cases, yes they can trace and find you, it is there job.
you do not have to go to court and such if you choose not to, that is of course, as long as it is not rape or murder, is it?
even so Lee, you keep doing your part, you are a pillar in your neighborhood and people will soon find that you are a GOOD person and are helping them too!!
keep up the good work....God bless
2006-09-14 16:25:26 · answer #9 · answered by transvainia 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
If you are uncomfortable making the tip from your cell phone.. go and use your local pay phone, even if you have to go to the next neighborhood.. and make your tip... but, as you said.. you are the one living there, and you need to feel safe..
2006-09-14 16:19:28 · answer #10 · answered by colleend01 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋