NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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The Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) detachment would like to remind citizens of the proper use of 911.
Statistics have shown that the number of 911 calls have increased within the detachment area for non-emergency calls and pocket dials.
911 calls require a two-officer response to confirm the nature of the call and time is spent traveling and investigating pocket dials or non-emergency calls.
Here are some ways you can help:
- If you accidentally call 911, do not hang up the phone. Stay on the line and tell the operator what happened. The operator will need to know exactly where you are so the police can verify that the 911 call was accidental.
- Remember that if you call 911 by accident or mistakenly use it in a non-urgent situation, you're not in trouble with the police. However, officers will need to check on you to verify there is no emergency
- Lock your cell phone when it is in your pocket or your purse.
- Do not let your children play with your phone. They may inadvertently call 911 and not be able to tell you what they have done. Old cell phones that still have a battery in them are capable of calling 911 even if there is no plan attached.
- Use 1-888-310-1122 for non-emergencies.
"To keep 911 lines available for emergencies, we encourage to public to be aware of the use of 911," said Staff Sergeant Manuela Byrnes.
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