(Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
Quinte West OPP would like to remind the public about the proper use of the 911. 911 calls are a priority call and two officers are required to attend to the calls.
Calls made from a cell phone that may be accidental are usually time consuming when the caller hangs up. A location of the call is given to officers and the officers patrol the area where the call originated.
There are several things the public should know about the use and misuse of the 911 service:
Every time 911 is misused it takes 911 operators away from assisting people with real emergencies.
911 is for emergencies. The Ontario Provincial Police has phone lines for non-emergencies such as noise complaints, parking complaints and incidents that took place hours or days earlier.
Extra care should be taken with cell phones. Most modern cell phones have a one button touch requirement to make an emergency call. Keyboard locks and phone holsters can help cut down on accidental emergency calls.
Older cell phones should not be used as toys for children as these cell phones, if they are charged, even without being active can still be used to call 911.
911 should never be programmed into phones; it doesn’t take long to dial 911.
If you accidentally dial 911 stay on the phone, tell the operator it was an accident and provide all of the appropriate information to the 911 operator.
Providing the appropriate information will ensure that an officer sees you in a timely manner that is safe for everyone.
