Manitoba RCMP say that calls to 911 or other emergency numbers for non-emergencies ties-up resources.
Police shared the data from one day, as an example of the type of calls they receive. When calls come into the emergency call centre a police file is created. An officer is then dispatched to ensure public safety.
“We do not want to discourage anyone from calling for help in an emergency. That’s what we are here for,” said Chris Melnyk, RCMP Operational Communications Centre Manager. “If someone has called in error, or their child has misdialed, please stay on the line until you have spoken with an emergency call taker so we are aware there is no need for police attendance and we are not trying to locate you to ensure your safety.”
During a 19 hour period on November 26, 2020, a dozen calls came into the emergency call centre that were not emergencies but tied up resources.
The non-emergent calls included:
- 3:00 am – hang up from Winnipeg Beach area
- 5:30 am – a child accidentally dialled the emergency line from Cross Lake area
- 8:30 am – a call made in error from Selkirk area
- 9:30 am – a call made to 911 to ask about a criminal record check from the Fort Alexander area
- 11:30 am – phone issues resulting in a call to 911 from the RM of Bifrost area
- 11:30 am – phone issues resulting in a call to 911 from Teulon area
- 1:00 pm – a hang-up from the Headingley area
- 3:00 pm – a misdial from the Selkirk area
- 4:00 pm – a hang-up from the RM of St Andrews area
- 5:00 pm – a child accidentally dialled the emergency line from Gillam area
- 6:00 pm – a call made in error from Cross Lake area
- 10:00 pm – a prank call from Easterville stating someone was trying to break into a residence with a machete
RCMP also noted that when people make a prank call in an effort to get the police to respond it is an offence and the caller could face a charge of Public Mischief.
© News4.ca 2020
