[eli5] How can you dial 911 anywhere in the US and still get the police closest to you?

Question

[eli5] How can you dial 911 anywhere in the US and still get the police closest to you?

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Answer 1

Unless you are using a satellite phone, your phone is always connected to some local cellular base station or telephone switch near you. This switch/station knows where the nearest emergency services is, and can connect you to it.