John Patterson, board administrator for Commercial Mobile Radio Service, of Frankfort, talked with 911 board members Wednesday about the requirements needed to handle wireless calls.

Glasgow 911 Center Director Danny Spears said the center will likely have to spend "several thousands of dollars" for a computer upgrade.

"I'm sure the center's not capable of handling them without an upgrade," he said.

The only way for citizens to ensure a wireless emergency call reaches a law enforcement agency is to program their cellular phones with the 7-digit telephone number of the agency.

Locally, residents should program their cellular phones with the number (270) 651-5151 for emergencies, Spears said.

The state has set up two phases of development to ensure 911 centers can receive incoming wireless calls.

Under phase one, the location of a wireless call will be shown within a 30-mile radius of its origin. All Kentucky 911 centers fall into this category.

Under phase two, a wireless call will be traced on a map to within 150 yards of its origin. It will likely be two to three years before 911 centers achieve this capability, Spears said.

Spears and Barren County Emergency Management Services Director Bobby Bunnell will attend a meeting in Frankfort on May 25 to learn more about the necessary computer upgrade.

In other action, the 911 board approved a 1-year contract with Rhodes, Lauck & Associates, Inc., of Memphis, Tenn., for a recorder.

Spears announced that STATCARE's frequency has been installed on 911 radios, which will allow dispatchers to talk with STATCARE personnel during emergencies.