I am working with New Haven Legal Assistance this summer, and I am researching which states have laws that criminalize interference with a 911 call. (Either by destruction of telephone, or just interfering with a report of domestic violence or a crime or injury in general.) Does anyone know where I can get some information on which states have laws similar to this, and how effective are they? The task force in CT is considering proposing similar legislation next session.

Thanks!

Elithea

-- Anonymous, July 24, 2000

Answers

Ga. has such a law as you are researching.... I don't know if any statistics are being gathered though on how helpful or not helpful it has been.

You can contact the GA Commission on Family Violence to seek answers to this, they may have information you are seeking. They have a web site, which I will try to find for you.

Also, the GA Coalition may have info on this.

-- Anonymous, July 26, 2000

Don't forget to include using 911 for false allegations. It's quite common.

-- Anonymous, August 07, 2000

Colorado has a law. If a male interferres with a call, he is arrested. If a female interferres, she gets a firm talking to.

-- Anonymous, August 15, 2000