Problems with Missouri's 911 systems are under the microscope.
Right now 18 counties do not have landline 911 service and half of Missouri's counties lack the ability to track cell phone calls at all.
The state public safety director is calling for a 75 cent fee on cell phone bills to help improve 911 services from cell phones.
We found out that some of the 911 systems that need the most improvements are right here in Mid-Missouri.
The lack of service for cell phones is a growing problem because the majority of 911 calls are now made from mobile phones.
In Mid-Missouri, if you're Callaway, Cole, Randolph, Montgomery or Saline counties it's difficult for dispatchers to trace the call.
"We have one of the worst systems in the nation. There is a two-thirds chance that if you were to dial 911 from a cell phone in the state of Missouri that you would not be found by public safety officials," says Mark James, Missouri Department of Public Safety.
Right now Callaway County has phase one capability that can only alert dispatchers to the general area of a call.
An upgrade to phase two would make it possible to pinpoint a caller's location. The improvements carry a number of benefits but one possibly life-saving change--a drastic decrease in response times.
Right now Callaway County commissioners are in the process of getting bids on the equipment that will carry a heavy price tag.
Missouri is the only state without a statewide fee or tax for wireless 911 services. Missouri voters have voted down ballot measures to raise 911 taxes twice previously.
The hearings on the 911 system are being held by a special legislative committee. There are expected to be more throughout the state in the future.
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