The state of New York has collected $440 million from cell phone users over the past 12 years for mobile 9-1-1 service. But The New York Times reported recently that as little as $30 million has actually been used for that purpose.

Under a law passed in 2000, all states are required to set up a system that will allow cell phone users the same type of access to 9-1-1 service that traditional land line phones have – including the ability of 9-1-1 operators to locate the person through the phone signal.

The service is being set up on a state-by-state basis, with each raising money to set up a system on its own.

Some of the New York money, The Times reported, went to such non-related things as the state’s general fund, and dry cleaning for state police officials.

The state has given away so much of the 9-1-1 money to other functions that it had to use bonds to get enough money for part of the Enhanced 9-1-1 equipment, the newspaper reported.