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There have been 324 false 911 calls to East Algoma OPP so far this year

At this rate, we will reach 777 911 hang-ups by year's end
911 emergency

NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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BLIND RIVER - The East Algoma Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police wish to remind citizens of the proper use of 911.

A look back for the detachment area show four years in a row each with over 500 "911 Hang-up" occurrences.

You may have heard the message before, but here are how the numbers look for 911 Hang-Ups for the East Algoma Detachment:

  • 2015 - 518
  • 2016 - 546
  • 2017 - 534
  • 2018 - 623
  • 2019 (Year to Date) - 324

The numbers show an overall trending increase in 911 Hang-Ups in the East Algoma Detachment area.

This year, the 911 calls are on pace to total approximately 777 which would be a 20 per cent increase from 2018 numbers and a 33 per cent increase from 2015 numbers.

The time taken to travel to some 911 Hang-Ups to confirm there is no emergency can utilize many hours that could be otherwise spent responding to emergencies, investigating crimes or patrolling our communities and highways.

Here's how you can help:

  • If you accidentally call 911, do not hang up the phone. Stay on the line and tell the operator what happened. The operator will need to know exactly where you are so the police can verify that the 911 call was accidental.
  • Remember that if you call 911 by accident or mistakenly use it in a non-urgent situation, you're not in trouble with the police. However, officers will need to check on you to verify that there is no emergency.
  • Lock your cell phone when it is in your pocket or your purse.
  • Do not let your children play with your phone. They may inadvertently call 911 and not be able to tell you what they've done. *** Old cell phones that still have a battery in them are capable of calling 911 even if there is no plan attached.
  • Educate your children about the use of 911 and that people who are in real danger need emergency services personnel to be available.
  • Use 1-888-310-1122 for non-emergencies.

"Investigating dropped 911 calls occupies vital police resources that may otherwise be needed to respond to real emergencies. Carelessly calling 911, or calling 911 in non-emergent circumstances also restricts the ability of our Provincial Communications Centers to answer calls from citizens who desperately need the help of emergency services personnel quickly. We encourage members of the public to be aware of the fact that being careless with their cell phones or calling 911 for non-emergency services puts lives at risk," said East Algoma OPP Detachment Commander Inspector Tyler Sturgeon.

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