One Percent Of 911 Calls Were Emergencies In 2014

(SOUTHERN BRUCE COUNTY, ON) – The South Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to 605 911 calls between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014. Of these 605 calls, 6 (1%) were actual emergencies.

Cell phone accidental or “pocket dial” calls accounted for 332 (55%) of the 911 calls that the South Bruce OPP responded to in 2014. This is up slightly from 2013 when officers responded to 323 cell phone calls which made up 56% of all 911 calls for the year.

The remaining 267 calls to 911 in 2014:

184 (30%) accidental/misdial – ex. programming an auto dialer, attempting to call an overseas number.

48 (8%) child playing with the phone.

35 (6%) phone line trouble.

How this compares to 911 calls received in 2013:

128 (22%) accidental/misdial.

79 (14%) child playing with the phone.

39 (7%) phone line trouble.

“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”. Lock your cellphone keypad when you aren’t using it and save 911 for those that truly need it” – Acting Inspector Wayne Thompson, Detachment Commander, South Bruce OPP.