The demise of the payphone

Cainkane1 · 8th November 2012, 09:49 AM

Cell phones offer many advantages over pay phones but pay phones did have one redeeming quality. You could make an anonomous call. Not necessarily a crank call but if you wanted to call the police and give them a tip about something the police wouldn't be able to trace the call back to you.

Halfcentaur · 8th November 2012, 09:57 AM

I've been slow to get a cell phone, my first was in 2009 and I only used it about 6 months. I don't talk on the phone enough to warrant the cost of a cell phone and a data plan when I get phone service with my internet and tv.

I am very annoyed however when my cable is out and I can't find a payphone within 10 miles that works anymore when I've needed to call the cable company.

RenaissanceBiker · 8th November 2012, 10:44 AM

Yeah, some people won't get the reference in this song.

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I AGREE

Bikewer · 8th November 2012, 10:58 AM

There used to be a thriving criminal trade in "boosting" pay phones. The money boxes on the old-style dial jobs were quite easy to pick, and a slick operator could quickly open the box, dump the change into an under-the-coat bag, and move to the next one.
Often, these guys would keep change-counting machines in their cars...

marksman · 8th November 2012, 11:05 AM

And where is Superman supposed to get into uniform now?

Ladewig · 8th November 2012, 11:07 AM

Originally Posted by Cainkane1

Cell phones offer many advantages over pay phones but pay phones did have one redeeming quality. You could make an anonomous call. Not necessarily a crank call but if you wanted to call the police and give them a tip about something the police wouldn't be able to trace the call back to you.

Postcards?

superfreddy · 8th November 2012, 11:20 AM

Can't you block your ID on a cell phone making it more difficult for anyone to trace a call? Aren't there other ways to truly make an anonymous call?

The Fallen Serpent · 8th November 2012, 11:29 AM

Originally Posted by marksman

And where is Superman supposed to get into uniform now?

Isn't he a blogger now? I assume he just lounges in his superhero attire all day now anyway.

Almo · 8th November 2012, 11:35 AM

I hate that there are no pay phones in Dallas. What do you do if you're from Canada and have pay-as-you-go phone? I couldn't make a call.

The Fallen Serpent · 8th November 2012, 11:37 AM

Originally Posted by Almo

I hate that there are no pay phones in Dallas. What do you do if you're from Canada and have pay-as-you-go phone? I couldn't make a call.

http://www.payphone-project.com/numbers/usa/TX/DALLAS/

Best bet is usually outside a chain convenience store.

The Central Scrutinizer · 8th November 2012, 11:53 AM

Did I just wake up in 2005?

The Central Scrutinizer · 8th November 2012, 11:54 AM

Originally Posted by Almo

I hate that there are no pay phones in Dallas. What do you do if you're from Canada and have pay-as-you-go phone? I couldn't make a call.

Move to the US.

truethat · 8th November 2012, 11:57 AM

Why not mail your anonymous tip to the police station?

The Fallen Serpent · 8th November 2012, 12:02 PM

Originally Posted by truethat

Why not mail your anonymous tip to the police station?

When I worked in a 7-11 periodically someone would come inside to inform me of a crime or danger but refuse to call the police themselves. I am not sure every clerk would, but I would always make the call even though I found it annoying. By and large police won't respond to hearsay like that unless it is something fairly serious. Even when they sounded serious they usually turned out not to be, but you have to make sure for the rare times it is.

joesixpack · 8th November 2012, 12:06 PM

It's quite simple to have a cell phone and remain anonymous. Simply buy a Tracfone with cash and always buy minutes with cash.

BenBurch · 8th November 2012, 12:08 PM

Originally Posted by joesixpack

It's quite simple to have a cell phone and remain anonymous. Simply buy a Tracfone with cash and always buy minutes with cash.

Works for Tony Soprano...

rjh01 · 8th November 2012, 12:41 PM

Originally Posted by joesixpack

It's quite simple to have a cell phone and remain anonymous. Simply buy a Tracfone with cash and always buy minutes with cash.

May work in some places, but not in Australia where to buy a phone you need ID. The only way to make a call that is sure to be anonymous is to use a stolen phone. But lucky there are a few pay phones left.

I Ratant · 8th November 2012, 05:36 PM

I've loaned a couple of my cell-phones to old ladies.. one in the hospital, and another with no phone service. A phone is really a modern necessity.
I won't go anywhere without mine now that I've gotten used to them.
Tracphones are inexpensive for occasional use. The contract phones with their useage options are reasonable.
I had a Net10 for awhile but got 80 or more marketing calls on it in a couple months.
The Tracphones I loaned had a double-minute, double-time feature when adding time. The old ladies got those useable until 2013 on one, and 2014 on the other they used them so often. I use them now for backups, in emergency.

wobs · 9th November 2012, 02:46 AM

I hope we don't lose them all in Hull. They are part of our heritage.

Telephone boxes should be cream coloured. Unless you have an Olympic gold medal winner nearby , in which case it gets painted gold.

http://s0.geograph.org.uk/photos/68/...8_8b097e70.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8427/7...6132e58a_z.jpg

mutile · 9th November 2012, 02:58 AM

Originally Posted by rjh01

May work in some places, but not in Australia where to buy a phone you need ID. The only way to make a call that is sure to be anonymous is to use a stolen phone. But lucky there are a few pay phones left.

I am not sure this is true, I think the ID requirement is for purchasing the sim card, but I believe all mobiles are required to be able to contact emergency services without a sim, so you should be able to make an anonymous call, by using a mobile phone without a sim.

23_Tauri · 9th November 2012, 03:52 AM

As a Brit, I miss these:

Although not the smell of wee in them.

Aepervius · 9th November 2012, 04:37 AM

Originally Posted by Cainkane1

Cell phones offer many advantages over pay phones but pay phones did have one redeeming quality. You could make an anonomous call. Not necessarily a crank call but if you wanted to call the police and give them a tip about something the police wouldn't be able to trace the call back to you.

Throw away cell phone paid in cash.

Aepervius · 9th November 2012, 04:41 AM

Originally Posted by rjh01

May work in some places, but not in Australia where to buy a phone you need ID. The only way to make a call that is sure to be anonymous is to use a stolen phone. But lucky there are a few pay phones left.

Yeah because false ID don't exists :P.

Muldur · 9th November 2012, 05:01 AM

Originally Posted by BenBurch

Works for Tony Soprano...

Criminal associations aside, a "pay-go" phone like that is a good option for people who don't make a lot of calls and don't want to fork out $30-50/month for either a land-line or "plan" cell phone. Just make sure you get one with a good Area of Service based on where you most plan to be.

Muldur · 9th November 2012, 05:02 AM

Originally Posted by 23_Tauri

As a Brit, I miss these:

http://forums.randi.org/picture.php?...pictureid=6912

Although not the smell of wee in them.

Did you ever open one up to find a big round room?

000063 · 9th November 2012, 05:10 AM

Originally Posted by marksman

And where is Superman supposed to get into uniform now?

He's been using his superspeed when people turn away for about twenty years now.

Originally Posted by joesixpack

It's quite simple to have a cell phone and remain anonymous. Simply buy a Tracfone with cash and always buy minutes with cash.

Yep. Just by dozens of prepaids, like Michael Westen, who used to be a spy.

CORed · 9th November 2012, 05:16 AM

Originally Posted by marksman

And where is Superman supposed to get into uniform now?

Well, the old-fashioned, fully enclosed phone booth disappeared long before the pay phone.

The Fallen Serpent · 9th November 2012, 05:27 AM

Originally Posted by Muldur

Did you ever open one up to find a big round room?

You are thinking of a Police Box. A little different.

Sledge · 9th November 2012, 06:15 AM

Originally Posted by 23_Tauri

As a Brit, I miss these:

http://forums.randi.org/picture.php?...pictureid=6912

Although not the smell of wee in them.

Still got one in my village. It doesn't take coins.

Cuddles · 9th November 2012, 06:25 AM

There's a phone box just up the road from my house. What really confuses me is that I quite often see people using it, with their car parked on the road next to it. So you can afford a car, but can't afford £20 for a pay as you go phone? I find that unlikely. It probably costs more in petrol to drive there.

As for the OP, in what way is that an advantage of pay phones? Unless you were actually involved in the crime yourself, why would you be so desperate to hide from the police when you tell them about it?

The Fallen Serpent · 9th November 2012, 06:41 AM

Originally Posted by Cuddles

As for the OP, in what way is that an advantage of pay phones? Unless you were actually involved in the crime yourself, why would you be so desperate to hide from the police when you tell them about it?

In major crimes there is a tendency in law enforcement to treat a tipster as a likely suspect. There are psychological reasons why certain perpetrators report their own crimes, sometimes anonymously and sometimes not. Even if the police treat their suspicions rationally and themselves do not disrupt a tipster's life, the media themselves can.

Another common reason why that also applies to minor crimes is because the tipster doesn't want to inconvenience themselves and have to fill out reports, talk to police for an extended amount of time, or possibly serve as a witness at trial.

The last major reason I can think of right now is exposure to danger. In the US and I know other countries an accused has the right to face their accuser. This means if you witness for a murder, the person you are accusing knows who you are.

joesixpack · 9th November 2012, 06:45 AM

Actually, I remember in the late '80s thinking that payphones were on the way out. The "war on drugs" was driving dealers to use pagers and payphones as a way of avoiding wiretaps. As a result, they stopped allowing payphones to take incoming calls. Back in the old days, I was always able to call someone from a payphone and have them call me back to save my dimes (later, quarters). One day that didn't work anymore.

Cainkane1 · 9th November 2012, 06:53 AM

Mailing an anonomous tip is fine but what if the police need to respond in a hurry?

Almo · 9th November 2012, 07:30 AM

Originally Posted by The Fallen Serpent

http://www.payphone-project.com/numbers/usa/TX/DALLAS/

Best bet is usually outside a chain convenience store.

Wow. I didn't see one; just the husks of them with no phones. Good info!

timhau · 9th November 2012, 08:19 AM

Originally Posted by Cainkane1

Mailing an anonomous tip is fine but what if the police need to respond in a hurry?

Use express mail.

I Ratant · 9th November 2012, 09:03 AM

Originally Posted by The Fallen Serpent

In major crimes there is a tendency in law enforcement to treat a tipster as a likely suspect. There are psychological reasons why certain perpetrators report their own crimes, sometimes anonymously and sometimes not. Even if the police treat their suspicions rationally and themselves do not disrupt a tipster's life, the media themselves can.

Another common reason why that also applies to minor crimes is because the tipster doesn't want to inconvenience themselves and have to fill out reports, talk to police for an extended amount of time, or possibly serve as a witness at trial.

The last major reason I can think of right now is exposure to danger. In the US and I know other countries an accused has the right to face their accuser. This means if you witness for a murder, the person you are accusing knows who you are.

.
Add the anonymous threatening phone call to the need for a pay phone list of useages..

Ryokan · 9th November 2012, 09:17 AM

Pull the SIM-card out of your phone. You can still call emergency services.

Checkmite · 9th November 2012, 08:05 PM

If the people you need to be in contact with while maintaining collective anonymity are all in the same general area, it's quite difficult to beat CB radio. As long as you don't directly mention any proper names, it's pretty much foolproof:

- No ID needed to buy or operate a transceiver, nor can units be "registered" in such a way that identifies them over-the-air.

- No possible way to forensically link a particular transmission with a particular transceiver

- Neither transmissions themselves, nor data pertaining to transmissions (time, date, location, the fact there even was a transmission) are saved on the transceivers themselves, or repeaters; nor is there anything analogous to a "cell tower" to independently record a log of these things for later access or review

- Transceivers do not have functionality which can be exploited by law enforcement or other government agencies to track or remotely operate specific units

- CB's are extremely cheap, never need to be activated and/or loaded; and they always have a "signal".

This is purely from a hypothetical perspective; I do not condone the use of CB radios to assist in breaking laws and so forth - bad!

rjh01 · 9th November 2012, 10:48 PM

Originally Posted by Checkmite

If the people you need to be in contact with while maintaining collective anonymity are all in the same general area, it's quite difficult to beat CB radio. As long as you don't directly mention any proper names, it's pretty much foolproof:

- No ID needed to buy or operate a transceiver, nor can units be "registered" in such a way that identifies them over-the-air.

- No possible way to forensically link a particular transmission with a particular transceiver

- Neither transmissions themselves, nor data pertaining to transmissions (time, date, location, the fact there even was a transmission) are saved on the transceivers themselves, or repeaters; nor is there anything analogous to a "cell tower" to independently record a log of these things for later access or review

- Transceivers do not have functionality which can be exploited by law enforcement or other government agencies to track or remotely operate specific units

- CB's are extremely cheap, never need to be activated and/or loaded; and they always have a "signal".

This is purely from a hypothetical perspective; I do not condone the use of CB radios to assist in breaking laws and so forth - bad!

On the other hand anything said could be recorded. If you say "we will rob the bank in New York city at 10 am tomorrow" you can be confident that the police will know about it.

Alt+F4 · 9th November 2012, 11:17 PM

Originally Posted by marksman

And where is Superman supposed to get into uniform now?

8th November 2012, 09:49 AM	#1
Cainkane1 Philosopher Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: The great American southeast Posts: 7,186	The demise of the payphone Cell phones offer many advantages over pay phones but pay phones did have one redeeming quality. You could make an anonomous call. Not necessarily a crank call but if you wanted to call the police and give them a tip about something the police wouldn't be able to trace the call back to you.
	__________________ If at first you don't succeed try try again. Then if you fail to succeed to Hell with that. Try something else.

8th November 2012, 09:57 AM	#2
Halfcentaur Philosopher Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 5,935	I've been slow to get a cell phone, my first was in 2009 and I only used it about 6 months. I don't talk on the phone enough to warrant the cost of a cell phone and a data plan when I get phone service with my internet and tv. I am very annoyed however when my cable is out and I can't find a payphone within 10 miles that works anymore when I've needed to call the cable company.
Halfcentaur Philosopher Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 5,935

8th November 2012, 11:07 AM	#6
Ladewig Hipster alien Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: not measurable Posts: 16,783	Originally Posted by Cainkane1 Cell phones offer many advantages over pay phones but pay phones did have one redeeming quality. You could make an anonomous call. Not necessarily a crank call but if you wanted to call the police and give them a tip about something the police wouldn't be able to trace the call back to you. Postcards?
	__________________ Is the JREF message board training wheels for people who hope to one day troll other message boards? It is not that hard to get us to believe you. We are not the major leagues or even the minor leagues. We are Pee-Wee baseball. If you love striking out 10-year-olds, then you'll love trolling our board.

8th November 2012, 11:20 AM	#7
superfreddy Thinker Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 232	Can't you block your ID on a cell phone making it more difficult for anyone to trace a call? Aren't there other ways to truly make an anonymous call?
superfreddy Thinker Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 232

8th November 2012, 11:29 AM	#8
The Fallen Serpent Graduate Poster Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Not Oregon, Texas Posts: 1,920	Originally Posted by marksman And where is Superman supposed to get into uniform now? Isn't he a blogger now? I assume he just lounges in his superhero attire all day now anyway.
	__________________ You don't use science to show that you are right, you use science to become right. - Randall Munroe

8th November 2012, 10:58 AM	#4
Bikewer Philosopher Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: St. Louis, Mo. Posts: 9,514	There used to be a thriving criminal trade in "boosting" pay phones. The money boxes on the old-style dial jobs were quite easy to pick, and a slick operator could quickly open the box, dump the change into an under-the-coat bag, and move to the next one. Often, these guys would keep change-counting machines in their cars...

8th November 2012, 11:05 AM	#5
marksman Reality Checker Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Tarrytown, NY Posts: 5,003	And where is Superman supposed to get into uniform now?

8th November 2012, 11:35 AM	#9
Almo Masterblazer Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Montreal, Quebec Posts: 6,404	I hate that there are no pay phones in Dallas. What do you do if you're from Canada and have pay-as-you-go phone? I couldn't make a call.
	__________________ Almo! My Blog "No society ever collapsed because the poor had too much." — LeftySergeant "It may be that there is no body really at rest, to which the places and motions of others may be referred." –Issac Newton in the Principia

8th November 2012, 11:37 AM	#10
The Fallen Serpent Graduate Poster Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Not Oregon, Texas Posts: 1,920	Originally Posted by Almo I hate that there are no pay phones in Dallas. What do you do if you're from Canada and have pay-as-you-go phone? I couldn't make a call. http://www.payphone-project.com/numbers/usa/TX/DALLAS/ Best bet is usually outside a chain convenience store.
	__________________ You don't use science to show that you are right, you use science to become right. - Randall Munroe

8th November 2012, 11:53 AM	#11
The Central Scrutinizer Penultimate Amazing Pither Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: The White Zone Posts: 42,264	Did I just wake up in 2005?
	__________________ If I see somebody with a gun on a plane? I'll kill him.

8th November 2012, 11:54 AM	#12
The Central Scrutinizer Penultimate Amazing Pither Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: The White Zone Posts: 42,264	Originally Posted by Almo I hate that there are no pay phones in Dallas. What do you do if you're from Canada and have pay-as-you-go phone? I couldn't make a call. Move to the US.
	__________________ If I see somebody with a gun on a plane? I'll kill him.

8th November 2012, 11:57 AM	#13
truethat Philosopher Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 8,622	Why not mail your anonymous tip to the police station?
truethat Philosopher Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 8,622	__________________ “Do not argue with an idiot they drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.” ― Mark Twain

8th November 2012, 12:02 PM	#14
The Fallen Serpent Graduate Poster Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Not Oregon, Texas Posts: 1,920	Originally Posted by truethat Why not mail your anonymous tip to the police station? When I worked in a 7-11 periodically someone would come inside to inform me of a crime or danger but refuse to call the police themselves. I am not sure every clerk would, but I would always make the call even though I found it annoying. By and large police won't respond to hearsay like that unless it is something fairly serious. Even when they sounded serious they usually turned out not to be, but you have to make sure for the rare times it is.
	__________________ You don't use science to show that you are right, you use science to become right. - Randall Munroe

8th November 2012, 12:06 PM	#15
joesixpack Illuminator Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Edge of the continent, Pacific county, WA Posts: 3,377	It's quite simple to have a cell phone and remain anonymous. Simply buy a Tracfone with cash and always buy minutes with cash.
	__________________ I never got in trouble by bein' ignorant, I always got in trouble 'cause I thought I wasn't.

8th November 2012, 12:08 PM	#16
BenBurch Gatekeeper of The Left Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: The Universe 35.2 ms ahead of this one. Posts: 32,077	Originally Posted by joesixpack It's quite simple to have a cell phone and remain anonymous. Simply buy a Tracfone with cash and always buy minutes with cash. Works for Tony Soprano...
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8th November 2012, 12:41 PM	#17
rjh01 Gentleman of leisure Tagger Join Date: May 2005 Location: Planet Earth Posts: 17,162	Originally Posted by joesixpack It's quite simple to have a cell phone and remain anonymous. Simply buy a Tracfone with cash and always buy minutes with cash. May work in some places, but not in Australia where to buy a phone you need ID. The only way to make a call that is sure to be anonymous is to use a stolen phone. But lucky there are a few pay phones left.
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8th November 2012, 05:36 PM	#18
I Ratant Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 15,305	I've loaned a couple of my cell-phones to old ladies.. one in the hospital, and another with no phone service. A phone is really a modern necessity. I won't go anywhere without mine now that I've gotten used to them. Tracphones are inexpensive for occasional use. The contract phones with their useage options are reasonable. I had a Net10 for awhile but got 80 or more marketing calls on it in a couple months. The Tracphones I loaned had a double-minute, double-time feature when adding time. The old ladies got those useable until 2013 on one, and 2014 on the other they used them so often. I use them now for backups, in emergency.

9th November 2012, 02:46 AM	#19
wobs Thinker Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 233	I hope we don't lose them all in Hull. They are part of our heritage. Telephone boxes should be cream coloured. Unless you have an Olympic gold medal winner nearby , in which case it gets painted gold. http://s0.geograph.org.uk/photos/68/...8_8b097e70.jpg http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8427/7...6132e58a_z.jpg
wobs Thinker Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 233	__________________ "To vowels. They stop consonants sticking together like boiled sweets in a paper bag."

9th November 2012, 02:58 AM	#20
mutile Muse Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 509	Originally Posted by rjh01 May work in some places, but not in Australia where to buy a phone you need ID. The only way to make a call that is sure to be anonymous is to use a stolen phone. But lucky there are a few pay phones left. I am not sure this is true, I think the ID requirement is for purchasing the sim card, but I believe all mobiles are required to be able to contact emergency services without a sim, so you should be able to make an anonymous call, by using a mobile phone without a sim.
mutile Muse Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 509

9th November 2012, 03:52 AM	#21
23_Tauri Illuminator Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: UK Posts: 4,947	As a Brit, I miss these: Although not the smell of wee in them.
	__________________ Little Miss Witchcraft, she's not made of straw.

9th November 2012, 04:37 AM	#22
Aepervius Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Bierland. I mean , germany. Posts: 7,729	Originally Posted by Cainkane1 Cell phones offer many advantages over pay phones but pay phones did have one redeeming quality. You could make an anonomous call. Not necessarily a crank call but if you wanted to call the police and give them a tip about something the police wouldn't be able to trace the call back to you. Throw away cell phone paid in cash.
	__________________ Omnes Blessant Ultima necat "I want, and this is my last and most dear wish, I want that the last of the king be strangled with the guts of the last priest" (Jean Meslier / 1664-1729 / Testament) A very early french atheist, a catholic priest in life.

9th November 2012, 04:41 AM	#23
Aepervius Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Bierland. I mean , germany. Posts: 7,729	Originally Posted by rjh01 May work in some places, but not in Australia where to buy a phone you need ID. The only way to make a call that is sure to be anonymous is to use a stolen phone. But lucky there are a few pay phones left. Yeah because false ID don't exists :P.
	__________________ Omnes Blessant Ultima necat "I want, and this is my last and most dear wish, I want that the last of the king be strangled with the guts of the last priest" (Jean Meslier / 1664-1729 / Testament) A very early french atheist, a catholic priest in life.

9th November 2012, 05:01 AM	#24
Muldur Graduate Poster Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 1,952	Originally Posted by BenBurch Works for Tony Soprano... Criminal associations aside, a "pay-go" phone like that is a good option for people who don't make a lot of calls and don't want to fork out $30-50/month for either a land-line or "plan" cell phone. Just make sure you get one with a good Area of Service based on where you most plan to be.
Muldur Graduate Poster Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 1,952	__________________ "When I give food to the poor, they call me a saint. When I ask why the poor have no food, they call me a Communist..." - Archbishop Dom Helder Camara, Brazil

9th November 2012, 05:02 AM	#25
Muldur Graduate Poster Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 1,952	Originally Posted by 23_Tauri As a Brit, I miss these: http://forums.randi.org/picture.php?...pictureid=6912 Although not the smell of wee in them. Did you ever open one up to find a big round room?
Muldur Graduate Poster Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 1,952	__________________ "When I give food to the poor, they call me a saint. When I ask why the poor have no food, they call me a Communist..." - Archbishop Dom Helder Camara, Brazil

9th November 2012, 05:10 AM	#26
000063 Illuminator Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Not America. Posts: 4,734	Originally Posted by marksman And where is Superman supposed to get into uniform now? He's been using his superspeed when people turn away for about twenty years now. Originally Posted by joesixpack It's quite simple to have a cell phone and remain anonymous. Simply buy a Tracfone with cash and always buy minutes with cash. Yep. Just by dozens of prepaids, like Michael Westen, who used to be a spy.
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9th November 2012, 05:16 AM	#27
CORed Illuminator Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 4,280	Originally Posted by marksman And where is Superman supposed to get into uniform now? Well, the old-fashioned, fully enclosed phone booth disappeared long before the pay phone.
CORed Illuminator Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 4,280

9th November 2012, 05:27 AM	#28
The Fallen Serpent Graduate Poster Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Not Oregon, Texas Posts: 1,920	Originally Posted by Muldur Did you ever open one up to find a big round room? You are thinking of a Police Box. A little different.
	__________________ You don't use science to show that you are right, you use science to become right. - Randall Munroe

9th November 2012, 06:15 AM	#29
Sledge Grammaton Cleric Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Swingin' on a star Posts: 7,123	Originally Posted by 23_Tauri As a Brit, I miss these: http://forums.randi.org/picture.php?...pictureid=6912 Although not the smell of wee in them. Still got one in my village. It doesn't take coins.
	__________________ "The perfect haiku would have just two syllables: Airwolf" ~ Ernest Cline "Science knows it doesn't know everything, otherwise it would stop" ~ Dara O'Briain.

9th November 2012, 06:25 AM	#30
Cuddles Decoy Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: A magical land full of pink fluffy sheeps and bunnies Posts: 16,564	There's a phone box just up the road from my house. What really confuses me is that I quite often see people using it, with their car parked on the road next to it. So you can afford a car, but can't afford £20 for a pay as you go phone? I find that unlikely. It probably costs more in petrol to drive there. As for the OP, in what way is that an advantage of pay phones? Unless you were actually involved in the crime yourself, why would you be so desperate to hide from the police when you tell them about it?
	__________________ I am not a little teapot.

9th November 2012, 06:41 AM	#31
The Fallen Serpent Graduate Poster Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Not Oregon, Texas Posts: 1,920	Originally Posted by Cuddles As for the OP, in what way is that an advantage of pay phones? Unless you were actually involved in the crime yourself, why would you be so desperate to hide from the police when you tell them about it? In major crimes there is a tendency in law enforcement to treat a tipster as a likely suspect. There are psychological reasons why certain perpetrators report their own crimes, sometimes anonymously and sometimes not. Even if the police treat their suspicions rationally and themselves do not disrupt a tipster's life, the media themselves can. Another common reason why that also applies to minor crimes is because the tipster doesn't want to inconvenience themselves and have to fill out reports, talk to police for an extended amount of time, or possibly serve as a witness at trial. The last major reason I can think of right now is exposure to danger. In the US and I know other countries an accused has the right to face their accuser. This means if you witness for a murder, the person you are accusing knows who you are.
	__________________ You don't use science to show that you are right, you use science to become right. - Randall Munroe

9th November 2012, 06:45 AM	#32
joesixpack Illuminator Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Edge of the continent, Pacific county, WA Posts: 3,377	Actually, I remember in the late '80s thinking that payphones were on the way out. The "war on drugs" was driving dealers to use pagers and payphones as a way of avoiding wiretaps. As a result, they stopped allowing payphones to take incoming calls. Back in the old days, I was always able to call someone from a payphone and have them call me back to save my dimes (later, quarters). One day that didn't work anymore.
	__________________ I never got in trouble by bein' ignorant, I always got in trouble 'cause I thought I wasn't.

9th November 2012, 06:53 AM	#33
Cainkane1 Philosopher Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: The great American southeast Posts: 7,186	Mailing an anonomous tip is fine but what if the police need to respond in a hurry?
	__________________ If at first you don't succeed try try again. Then if you fail to succeed to Hell with that. Try something else.

9th November 2012, 07:30 AM	#34
Almo Masterblazer Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Montreal, Quebec Posts: 6,404	Originally Posted by The Fallen Serpent http://www.payphone-project.com/numbers/usa/TX/DALLAS/ Best bet is usually outside a chain convenience store. Wow. I didn't see one; just the husks of them with no phones. Good info!
	__________________ Almo! My Blog "No society ever collapsed because the poor had too much." — LeftySergeant "It may be that there is no body really at rest, to which the places and motions of others may be referred." –Issac Newton in the Principia

9th November 2012, 08:19 AM	#35
timhau NWO Litter Technician Join Date: May 2004 Location: East of Sweeden Posts: 9,643	Originally Posted by Cainkane1 Mailing an anonomous tip is fine but what if the police need to respond in a hurry? Use express mail.
	__________________ When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realised that the Lord, in his wisdom, doesn't work that way. I just stole one and asked Him to forgive me. - Emo Philips

9th November 2012, 09:03 AM	#36
I Ratant Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 15,305	Originally Posted by The Fallen Serpent In major crimes there is a tendency in law enforcement to treat a tipster as a likely suspect. There are psychological reasons why certain perpetrators report their own crimes, sometimes anonymously and sometimes not. Even if the police treat their suspicions rationally and themselves do not disrupt a tipster's life, the media themselves can. Another common reason why that also applies to minor crimes is because the tipster doesn't want to inconvenience themselves and have to fill out reports, talk to police for an extended amount of time, or possibly serve as a witness at trial. The last major reason I can think of right now is exposure to danger. In the US and I know other countries an accused has the right to face their accuser. This means if you witness for a murder, the person you are accusing knows who you are. . Add the anonymous threatening phone call to the need for a pay phone list of useages..