Although it is a crime to misuse 911 services, over the past year, Saskatchewan RCMP call takers have highlighted a few weird calls.
The Divisional Operational Communications Centre (DOCC) fielded 367,707 calls for service in 2024, over 1000 a day. Some were misdials, some were false alarms and some were serious in nature. Others were just weird or completely unnecessary.
“Our annual list is fun, but it’s important to realize that DOCC officers play a really important role during emergencies. We are the first voice someone hears when they reach out for help from police. We are there until emergency services arrive to help them. We dispatch police officers to calls and provide them assistance during them,” says Lee Rosin, Recruiter and Training Facilitator for DOCC. “It’s important that these lines remain open for those who reach out for help through 911 or 310-RCMP.”
Here are the top 10 calls that really didn't qualify for 911 services in 2024:
10. Who are you? A concerned individual called 911 to advise that they didn’t recognize someone on their social media friend list.
9. Spick and span: A frustrated individual called to complain that their parents were forcing them to clean their room.
8. Stop stressing meowt: A caller advised that a fox was wandering the neighbourhood and scaring a local cat.
7. To bee or not to bee: 911 dispatchers received a call from a person saying that they had a problem with bees in their home.
6. Tech support: A concerned individual called 911 to ask for help unlocking their cell phone.
5. Litter bug: An individual called 911 to report that someone had thrown their ice cream on the ground.
4. Cut the cat-itude: A caller advised that their cat was being mean to them and they were hoping an officer would come and help with the situation.
3. Loads of fun: 911 dispatchers received a call from a person who was having trouble with their washing machine.
2. I’m counting on you: An individual called 911 asking for help on a math equation as they didn’t want to fail their test in the morning.
1. Party’s over: 911 dispatchers received a call from an individual saying that their tambourine was taken from a party they attended.
Citizens are reminded, 911 is reserved for emergencies and crimes in progress.
So, avoid the $2,000 fine and take care when calling the people who care. The services you are tying up could cost someone vital time during a real emergency.
Read More: Lloyd RCMP fully equipped with body cams
Locally owned and community driven, the Lloydminster Meridian Source is the online news source in the Border City. Whether it’s breaking news, features or sports, if you have questions about what’s going on around town, Source it with us.
Since online platforms no longer support the sharing of news, we encourage you to bookmark meridiansource.ca. Whether you’re having a coffee or enjoying a meal, check in any time for the most up-to-date news in Lloydminster.
