According to an estimate from a RCMP reporting system, 460 calls were dispatched from 911 to Cochrane RCMP from Jan.1 to June 3. Of that number, 184 calls were classified as false calls.
“False calls are a huge drain on our resources,” said Constable Jared Hockley of Cochrane RCMP.
“Our policy is to respond to each call that we can, even if the caller hangs up…. The worry is there is someone on the other end of the phone with a gun to their head — that’s why we always attend every call.”
The number of non-emergency 911 calls jumps from 184 to 253 when you add in calls to assist, calls regarding animals and potentially criminal calls that ended up being unfounded, said Hockley.
While many of these calls are honest mistakes — caused by accidents like pocket-dialing cell phones, mistakenly hitting a speed dial button, programming a new phone — Hockley said there is a high volume of people calling 911 to report non-emergencies, such as traffic and weather complaints.
With police, fire services and emergency medical services in full-on emergency mode for calls that are potentially false, it leaves Cochrane vulnerable for real emergencies, said Mac deBeaudrap, senior manager protective services and fire chief at the Town of Cochrane.
In addition, this sense of urgency can be dangerous for responders and citizens, with responders on the roads — in all conditions — at high speeds, he added.
Last month, Alberta legislature has passed third reading of the Emergency 911 Act — something many provinces already have in place. This act includes a levy to cell phone customers along with fines for those who dial 911 frivolously.
Until this act becomes law, Hockley said offenders found to dial 911 with the intent of misleading police can face the criminal charge of public mischief.
Both deBeaudrap and Hockley stressed the importance of remaining on the line if you happen to accidently dial 911. Remember, police are obligated to respond to each call — even if the call is a hang up.
“The best thing to do is stay on the phone and explain to the dispatcher that it was a mistake,” said deBeaudrap.
