The 411 on the 311?

November 2, 2009

The 411 on the 311?

Part 1

Many city governments today are either implementing or considering a 311 service to improve assistance and responsiveness to the public.  “311” is the slang term used for a centralized service center equipped with the tools and information needed to handle various non-emergency calls from the public.  Some common things that a 311 service provides support for are: 

  • Reporting potholes
  • Reporting graffiti
  • Garbage collection information
  • Blocked roadways, driveways, and fire hydrants
  • Reporting broken traffic lights
  • Mayor action line (complaints)
  • Reporting abandoned vehicles
  • Reporting stray animals
  • Provide information on which department to call for any given service when there is uncertainty
  • Information and possibly call routing for local shelters, public assistance, domestic issues and other urgent/emergency like calls 

According to New York City’s website, their 311 even provides language translation!    Also, some cities have even set up their 311 service as a 911 back up or as a disaster recovery site.

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