News Conference Announcing LAPD to Handle Cellular 911 Calls Citywide

What:
A news conference to announce that cellular 911 calls placed from select parts of the city will no longer be routed through the CHP, but will go directly to LAPD dispatch centers for processing.
When:
Thursday, January 12, 2006
9:00 a.m.
Where:
LAPD Metropolitan Communications Dispatch Center (MCDC) 2nd Floor
100 North Los Angeles Street (Corner of 1st and Los Angeles Streets), Los Angeles, CA  90012
Who:

Assistant Police Chief Sharon Papa, Office of Support Services
Police Commissioner Anthony Pacheco
Tim Riley, LAPD Chief Information Officer
Mary Grady, LAPD Public Information Director
Deputy Chief Dennis Keane, Los Angeles Fire Department

Why:
Until now, all Los Angeles 911 calls made from cellular telephones have been automatically sent to California Highway Patrol call centers.  Beginning this week, in select areas of the city, cellular 911 calls will be routed directly to the LAPD.  This change is being made in accordance with federally mandated upgrades to the current emergency call system.
The news conference will discuss how the public will be affected by these changes.
Questions may be directed to LAPD Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.