The National Emergency Number Association says dialing 911 from a cell phone is more difficult to trace.  The FCC is working on upgrading all designated 911 call centers within a county from basic 911 to enhanced 911. The switch allows for the "plotting" of calls, which means call centers can electronically receive a caller's number and location.

Currently some counties throughout the nation have basic 911, which is when someone makes an emergency call and has to tell the dispatcher her or his phone number and location. There is no technology for tracking that electronically.

None of the 14 counties in KOMU's viewing area are still operating on basic 911. However, there are three phases of enhanced 911, and that's where we find not every county is on the same page.

Of the 14 counties, Maries, Montgomery, Moniteau and Howard counties are operating at the minimum level of enhanced 911. While these four counties can receive the number and location of a land-line telephone, they cannot do so for calls coming in from a cell phone.

Callaway county completed phase one and Morgan county is working towards it. Audrain and Chariton counties are on their way to phase two.

Only six counties in KOMU's viewing area have 911 call centers at the final stage: phase two. That means they have the technology to receive a cell phone's number and location when it dials in.

However, even phase-two counties may have problems receiving a cell phone's number and location if the phone is not equipped for enhanced 911, most commonly GPS. The service reception in the area of the phone call also affects the plotting of the call.

Check out the links on this page to view a more detailed account of each county's 911 capabilities.