(file photo)

By Susan McNeil

No emergency here

From not wanting to clean their room to scaredy cats; bad reasons to call 911

Jan 7, 2025 | 11:47 AM

Saskatchewan RCMP have once again released their ‘Top 10 Reasons To Not Call 911’ list, drawn from actual calls in 2024.

They ranged from youth calling because their parents were making them clean their room to being victimized by a mean cat, but police said none of the calls were actually emergencies.

The RCMP, which has a major dispatch centre in Prince Albert, got 367,707 calls for service through the 911 system in 2024.

Some were misdials or false alarms, but many are true emergencies.

“Our annual list is fun, but it’s important to realize that DOCC (Division Operations Communications Centre) officers play a really important role during emergencies. We are the first voice someone hears when they reach out for help from police,” said Lee Rosin, recruiter and training facilitator for DOCC.

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“We are there until emergency services arrive to help them. We dispatch police officers to calls and provide them assistance during them.”

It is important that lines remain open for their intended purpose, which is to dispatch help in emergency situations.

Here are the top 10 calls that “missed the mark” 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 meow: 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.

Saskatchewan RCMP said they would like to remind the public that there are ramifications for those who misuse 911. Not only is there a chance of preventing someone with a life-threatening emergency from getting help, there is also a summary offence charge under the Emergency 911 Systems Act with fines up to $2000.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com