The *77 cell phone emergency number?

Question

I knew about the red light on cars, but not the *77. It was about 1 P.M. in the afternoon, and Lauren was driving to visit a friend. An UNMARKED police car pulled up behind her and put his lights on. Lauren's parents have always told her to never pull over on the side of the road, but rather to wait until she gets to a gas station, etc.

Lauren actually listened to her parents' advice, and promptly called *77 on her cell phone to tell the police dispatcher that she would not pull over right away. She proceeded to tell the dispatcher that there was an unmarked police car with a flashing red light on his rooftop behind her. The dispatcher checked to see if there were police cars where she was and there weren't, and he told her to keep driving, remain calm and that he had back up already on the way.

Ten minutes later 4 cop cars surrounded her and the unmarked car behind her. One policeman went to her side and the others surrounded the car behind. They pulled the guy from the car and tackled him to the ground. The man was a convicted rapist and wanted for other crimes!

I never knew about the *77 Cell Phone Feature, but especially for a woman alone in a car, you should not pull over for an unmarked car. Apparently police have to respect your right to keep going to a safe & quiet place. You obviously need to make signals that you acknowledge them (i.e put on your hazard lights) or call *77 like Lauren did.

Too bad the cell phone companies don't generally give you this little bit of wonderful information!

*Speaking to a service representative at Bell Mobility confirmed that *77 was a direct link to state trooper info. So, now it's your turn to let your friends know about *77.

SEND THIS TO EVERY WOMAN (AND PERSON) YOU KNOW; IT MAY SAVE A LIFE.

Answer 1

Some stories resembling this one give the number to call as #77. These numbers (#77 or *77) may work in some states, but this is NOT universal. Note that the reason "77" was chosen by some states is because the letters "SP" (for State Police) are on the 7 key. Some states use #47 (because the letters "HP" for Highway Patrol are on those keys). I have also heard of #55 and 112 being used.

I live in California and I can confirm that 112 on a cell phone connects directly to the California Highway Patrol. Interestingly, this works even if the keypad is locked (as does 911).

Of course 911 works in every state.

Answer 2

This is definitely a variation of a similar story that has been pushed around the internet since 2002.

Even though the legitimacy of the story can't be verified, certain parts do bring interesting thoughts to mind.

If a violator is unaware of the legitimacy of a semi or totally unmarked car, use your emergency flashers and slow down. Proceed to the nearest well lighted area with other people around. MOST officers realize you are uncertain to their identity and will understand. I wouldn't suggest doing this if the patrol was fully marked....the excuse "I didn't think you were a real cop" won't fly!

Law enforcement are present for the protection of the citizen and understand certain "cautions" the public take when alone on a dark roadway.

There have been a few instances of offenders attempting to stop cars when impersonating officers, but this events are extremely rare. Law enforcement does aggressively pursue those cases to remove those type offenders from the streets!

Blogs and emails of this nature, however, tend to send a message without any validity that causes more harm than good!

As I've always said........ALWAYS consider the source of information you receive!

Best wishes!

Answer 3

Some areas have this, others don't. Also, it is not always *77, I've seen *310, 910, and many others. Best bet is to call your local law enforcement and see if there is a similar system set up in your area.

Answer 4

In Maryand calling #77 from you cell will connect you to Maryland State Police .. i'm not sure if that works for all states

Answer 5

Good info...never realized this!

Answer 6

snopes[dot]com