this post was submitted on 28 Aug 2026
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Technology

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Colorado: to test the 911 service, you must first place a normal call to the 911 center. WTF, they don’t think you might be unable to make normal calls (the very reason you need to test 911)? (puc.colorado.gov)
submitted 9 hours ago* (last edited 9 hours ago) by debanqued@beehaw.org to c/technology@beehaw.org
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From the linked FAQ:

How can I make a test 9-1-1 call? To make a test 9-1-1 call, you need to first contact the 9-1-1 center that serves your area. The non-emergency numbers for Colorado's 9-1-1 centers are available here(opens in new window). If you're unsure which 9-1-1 center serves your area, call the 911 Program at 303-894-2871, and we'll help you identify the 9-1-1 center for the location you want to test from.

When you call the 9-1-1 center, ask them if it would be okay to make a test 9-1-1 call. If they are particularly busy or are handling a major incident, they may ask you to call back at a later time.

When your phone cannot make normal calls for whatever reason¹, you obviously want to know if 911 calls will at least work. And the idiots design a test procedure that requires normal phone calls to work.

① Typical reasons why you may be unable to make normal calls:

  • You have a GSM phone with no GSM chip, or unsubscribed chip.
  • You are on a prepaid plan and have no credit.

So indeed the telecom industry has a glaring competency problem.

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[–] debanqued@beehaw.org -3 points 4 hours ago* (last edited 3 hours ago) (1 children)

and it will be fine.

Citation needed that there will be no fine to pay. Why not do a bit of research before making such claims? Quick search for false 911 call should flood your search results with fines, like $316 in Los Angeles.

South Carolina: misdemeanor. The penalties can include up to six months in jail, a fine of up to $200, or both.

It’s only an illegit 911 call if you call them for fun or if you test so often it can no longer be considered necessary.

Citation needed.

When attackers notice their victim making a distress call, they obviously convince them to back off and say the call was an accident. Emergency dispatchers will send help anyway to ensure coersion is not the case.

[–] dfyx@lemmy.helios42.de 6 points 4 hours ago* (last edited 3 hours ago) (1 children)

Well, go ask the non-emergency line if it's okay. That's what is recommended. Looks like you have access to the internet. What keeps you from writing an email to your local police station and just asking what you should do? I can't know where you live. I can only tell you that in my 38 years of life, these things have been solved by actually talking to people or trying things. Certainly not by complaining on the internet to people who can't do anything about it and then not even suggesting a better solution.

Sorry, but you don't seem like you want a solution. You want something to complain about.