Arkansas has implemented a new Arkansas State Police non-emergency tip line for cell phones. The feature is available to all AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon cellular phones in Arkansas, Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced Tuesday at a news briefing.
Motorists may call *277 or *ASP to notify state police of suspicious activity, stranded motorists, safety concerns related to reckless, high speed, and dangerous driving of others, or to report large pieces of debris on the roadway and other unsafe driving conditions.
Hutchinson pointed out that the new line is not a substitute for calling 911. It is an additional number for non-emergency calls.
The Arkansas Department of Transportation is installing 200 signs across the state to inform Arkansans of the new line.
State Rep. Stephen Meeks, a Republican from Greenbriar, sponsored the legislation that led to the new tip line. Meeks said while driving to Little Rock one day he was passed by someone driving between 90 and 100 miles per hour, weaving in and out of traffic, and even driving on the shoulder of the highway.
“While it didn’t rise to the level of a 911 call, their recklessness very quickly could have turned into a tragedy that would have required a 911 call,” Meeks said. “I have no doubt this will save lives, and it’s a great example of how state government can work together with industry to make life a little bit safer for all Arkansans.”
