A call to 911 by a Delhi woman after a dispute with her parents over video games has prompted provincial police to remind the public about the proper use of the emergency number.
The 25-year-old woman became upset and called 911 after her parents questioned her spending on video games just after 5 p.m. last Thursday, Norfolk OPP said.
According to police, it takes at least two officers roughly thirty minutes to respond, investigate, and clear an average 911 call. Unnecessary calls for frivolous complaints put pressure on police resources and can take officers away from real emergencies.
"Whether false alarms are intentional or unintentional, they tie up the phone lines at the communications centre, waste taxpayer money, tie up law enforcement officers and threaten lives," said Constable Ed Sanchuk. "The OPP are reminding all parents and caregivers to speak to their children, regardless of their age about the proper use of 911 and to explain that it should only be called for emergencies."
To prevent misdials, Sanchuk recommends double checking the number you are dialling and locking the keypad on your cell phone. Anyone who dials the emergency number by accident is advised to not hang up, but to stay on the line to let the dispatcher know it was a mistake.
Police issued a similar reminder earlier this month after a 9-year-old Simcoe girl called 911 after her parents told her to clean her room.