Police try to reduce large number of non-emergency calls
A staggering misuse of the 911 emergency call system is spurring police forces province-wide to act.
The City of St. Catharines is joining the NRP, and other forces, in a campaign called "When Every Second Counts", aimed at educating the public that 911 is for emergencies and life threatening situations only.
St. Catharines Fire Chief Dave Upper says they still get calls for minor inconveniences that can be handled through other channels, such as lost items, noise complaints, and even pocket dials.
He adds 911 needs to remain open for those truly needing help.
Provincially, emergency services report nearly half of the calls are non-emergency, including accidental dials, hang-ups, and frivolous inquiries.
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