There's a new catch-phrase from the OPP today --- "Lock It In Your Pocket."
It refers to the high number of pocket dial calls that tie up 911 emergency services. In a shocking report from South Bruce OPP today, officers responded to a total of 605 911 calls for 2014.
Of those calls, only six were actual emergencies.
Cell phone accidental or pocket dial calls accounted for 332 of the total calls officers responded to. 184 were described as accidental-or-misdial, 48 calls were children playing with a phone, and 35 were listed as phone line trouble.
Police are reminding cellphone owners to lock the keypad when you are not using it, and save 911 for those who really need it.
Acting Inspector Wayne Thompson, South Bruce OPP Detachment Commander, stated in a news release: "Cell phone pocket dials continue to be an issue for emergency responders. When 911 is called, emergency personnel will be dispatched. This represents a significant cost for rate payers, but the potential harm is much greater if an emergency responder is delayed getting to someone that needs immediate assistance. I urge you to Lock it in Your Pocket."