311 Nonemergency Telephone System

The Los Angeles City Council agreed Friday to commission a detailed study of a new 311 telephone number to handle nonemergency calls. According to a report by city analysts, an estimated 80% of 911 calls in Los Angeles are not for life-threatening emergencies. The Federal Communications Commission has set aside the 311 number for local governments to use for nonemergency access to police and other services.

The City Council agreed Friday to commission a detailed study of a 311 telephone number to handle nonemergency calls to free the clogged 911 system for genuine emergencies. "Our residents have a right to expect they can get through immediately when they have an emergency," said Councilman Mike Feuer, vice chairman of the Public Safety Committee. According to a report by city analysts, an estimated 80% of 911 calls in Los Angeles are not for life-threatening emergencies.

The Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved the formation of a task force to study the implementation of a nonemergency phone number that would complement 911. Councilman Michael Feuer, who represents the southeast San Fernando Valley and has championed the idea of a 311 number, said the Police Commission and the mayor's office also have agreed to compromise on the program's budget.

The Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved the formation of a task force to study the implementation of a nonemergency phone number that would complement 911. Councilman Mike Feuer, who has championed the idea of a 311 number, said the Police Commission and the mayor's office also have agreed to compromise on the program's budget. The commission and the council had put annual costs at about $294,000, while the mayor estimated about $217,000.