LG V VX-9800

I know that this is a Forum for the 9800, but I am hoping that someone who had the 8100, could help me. My understanding is that with the phone locked you call call the three emergency numbers ( which by default are keys 1,2, and 3.) I can't get the phone to allow me to use 911 as an emergency number. If I do, I get an error that says that the phone is locked an only Emergency and Specialty numbers can be called. Did anyone get 911 to work? If so, How?