The San Jose Police Department's communications center lost phone service at 5:30 a.m. today and an alternative 911 system took over immediately, ensuring that 911 calls would be answered.

Officer Rubens Dalaison says the center on San Pedro Street also lost the 311 phone service and the seven-digit emergency line for the department, which have since been restored.

He said crews are trying to determine if the problem is with equipment in the building or whether it is a Pacific Bell problem.

Pacific Bell workers have been working on the problem since 6:40 a.m. This is the second time this month the communications center has lost phone service, Dalaison said.

The service loss also initially affected San Jose Fire Department communications.

The problem with the 911 line is expected to be fully resolved by 12:30 p.m.

http://sfgate.com/news/baycitynews/

-- Doris (reaper1@mindspring.com), June 22, 2000