Recently I wrote a post regarding *77 for cell phones. It went like this: I received an e-mail from a friend that I thought was so important I would share it with everyone.
Here is the story posted:
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 her 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 where s he 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 ca rs 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. Apparent ly police have to respect your right to keep going to a safe place.
*Speaking to a service representative at ** Bell ** Mobility confirmedthat *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.This applies to ALL 50 states.
Here is a very kind and informative comment I received from Bonita.
Comment by Bonita Malone:
Lisa, I think this is a version of an urban legend, it usually says #77, instead of *77.
I have attached a link to snopes.com http://www.snopes.com/crime/warnings/fakecop.asp
that should look very familiar. It does state that the code does work in some states but is not universal to all 50 states, there are different variations. The best thing to do is call 911 if you think something is wrong.
Seems it is not for all 50 states that would be to logical and helpful. I and my friend had the very best intention passing this information along. But as I told Bonita I don't want to be in a dangerous position randomly dialing *77, #77, *65.....or any other combination to connect to the state police and certainly do not want anyone else in that position. So unless you see the sign posted on the highway telling which of these numbers applies for that particular state I agree with Bonita dial 911.
So I decided before this information or misinformation went any further to delete the post and be an adult and admit I made a boo-boo. Please forgive the person (me) but know I did have your best interest at heart.
Bonita thank you very much for the kind and thoughtful way you brought this to my attention. You are what makes AR a special social network.
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