Tracing a Threatening or Harassing Phone Call

A security feature has been installed on most UT phone lines that will capture Caller ID information even if a caller has blocked that information. The feature increases the security of all UT faculty, staff and dormitory residents by helping law enforcement officials locate the origin of threatening or harassing phone calls. This feature should only be used to identify a phone number if the call is threatening or harassing. Using Call Trace should be considered the same as filing a complaint with UTPD.

Directions for Customer Originated Trace (COT)

  • To activate the feature from most UT phones:

    Hang up the receiver, pick receiver back up and press *57 (star-five-seven) immediately following a threatening or harassing phone call, and before making another call.
  • To activate the feature on a multi-line phone (more than one phone number):

    Hang up the receiver, pick receiver back up and press the phone number key that received the call and press *57 immediately following a threatening or harassing phone call, and before making another call.

You will hear the message “You have successfully traced your last incoming call.” This automatically records the calling number in an electronic log at UTPD even if it is blocked from Caller ID. After activating Call Trace, you should then contact UTPD at 471-4441. Since this information is considered confidential, it can only be viewed by UTPD.