[Varisha]

I got the following in an email and thought I would share. This is partly true: #77 is used in some states--not all.

See: http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/c/cell77.htm


------------------------------ here is the forward I got -------------------------



MUST KNOW ABOUT*77

I knew about the red light on cars, but not the*77.It was about 1:00 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 them never to pull over for an unmarked car on the side of the road , but rather to wait until they get to a gas station, etc.*

Lauren had 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 near 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 along with 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, including previous Impersonating an Officer charges.

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 some 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 BellSouth Mobility confirmed that*77 was a direct link to state trooper info in all states. So, now it's your turn to let your friends know about*77.

Send this to every woman (or person) you know; it may save a life.

[EdH]

I've been a cop for 18 years and have never heard of *77.

[Caterina]

Hm I didnt know that. I wonder if theres is a Canadian type equivilent.

[Jenje!]

I have had the non-emergency police number in my town programmed into my cell for a long time for situations just like this. People are absolutely crazy.

In fact, I used it just the other day when my mom and I saw two under five year old little girls wandering down the street alone in a bad neighborhood.

[EdH]

911 gets you a dispatcher faster then anything else.

My suggestion to anyone being pulled over by an unmarked police car at night is to drive the speed limit to the nearest well lit area. If you are unsure if it's a police officer then make sure all your doors are locked. Only open you window enough to speak with the "officer" and to hand your license, registration and insurance papers through and receive a citation (about 1 1/2 inch is enough). If the "officer" is in plain clothes politely ask to see his badge and department identification card before handing over any of your paperwork or information. Now doing so with an attitude to a real police officer will surely get you a citation instead of a warning. Normally if the officer is in uniform then you've got the real thing. There are numerous different cars used in police work these days. Most patrol cars will be the Ford Crown Victoria, Chevrolet Impala or the Dodge Charger or Magnum. Some departments use the Ford Mustang and a number of different SUVs like the Explorer, Yukon, Expedition and Durango. Make it your business to know what kind of police cars are used in you area. Be sure to know what color lights police in your area use on their police cars. In Pennsylvania we use red and blue together and sometimes red by itself. Other states use other combinations.

If for any reason you believe the situation is not legitimate dial 911 on a cell phone. If you don't have a cell phone ask the "officer" to speak with his supervisor. You'll likely know right away if it's a real cop or not. If you believe you are dealing with someone posing as a police officer just roll up your windows and tell them you think he's fake. If he's not fake you'll likely have another cop or two show up in a few minutes. Then you need to make sure they are aware that you were afraid. Crying does help at times. If you really think you have a fake, drive the speed limit to a 24 hour store or truck stop.

[madvoice]

http://www.snopes.com/crime/warnings/fakecop.asp

Its not implausible according to snopes for something like this to happen. They too give advice similar EdH..

[Jenje!]

I'm not one who is comfortable clogging the emergency number when it's not an emergency. And I know in my town, that's greatly appreciated! I've used it for things like the situation with the unattended kids, shady characters acting strangely in my neighborhood... other complaints about neighbors (around here they like to park their cars along both sides of narrow streets and then stand in the gap so that you can't drive by)... that sort of thing.

For situations that are a bit more intense, though, I'd be all over the 911 number.

[madvoice]

Here in Australia the emergency number is 000. For all other police related non emergency calls its 131444 and that is Australia wide.

[Jenje!]

I wish it were like that here. There have been times I've wanted to report things (hazardous driving for instance... growl) and didn't have the local number for that town.

[madvoice]

Yeah its only recent that the police enquiries (non emergency) number has been the same Australia wide. It gets transferred to the local comms/dispatch area which is good.