Saskatchewan RCMP’s Divisional Operational Communications Centre (DOCC) managed 367,707 calls for service in 2024, dealing with a wide range of incidents from 911 misdials and false alarms to more serious public safety matters.
"Our annual list is fun, but it’s important to realize that DOCC officers play a really important role during emergencies. We are the first voice someone hears when they reach out for help from the police. We are there until emergency services arrive to help them. We dispatch police officers to calls and provide them assistance during them,” said Lee Rosin, Recruiter and Training Facilitator for DOCC. “It’s important that these lines remain open for those who reach out for help through 911 or 310-RCMP."
The following are the top 10 calls that “missed the mark” in 2024:
- Who are you? A concerned individual called 911 to report that they didn’t recognize someone on their social media friend list.
- Spick and span: A frustrated individual called to complain that their parents were forcing them to clean their room.
- Stop stressing meowt: A caller reported a fox wandering the neighborhood and scaring a local cat.
- To bee or not to bee: 911 dispatchers received a call from someone saying they had a bee problem in their home.
- Tech support: A concerned individual called 911 asking for help unlocking their cell phone.
- Litter bug: An individual called 911 to report that someone had thrown their ice cream on the ground.
- Cut the cat-itude: A caller reported that their cat was mean to them and hoped an officer would help with the situation.
- Loads of fun: 911 dispatchers received a call from someone having trouble with their washing machine.
- I’m counting on you: An individual called 911 asking for help with a math equation as they didn’t want to fail their test in the morning.
- Party’s over: 911 dispatchers received a call from someone saying their tambourine was taken from a party they attended.
Reminder: Calls to 911 must be reserved for emergencies and crimes in progress, not for when you’re dealing with a malfunctioning washing machine, attempting to unlock your phone, or concerned about a fox.
The Saskatchewan RCMP reminds the public that misuse of 911 can have serious consequences. Misusing the emergency number may prevent someone with a life-threatening emergency from getting help. In addition, individuals found misusing 911 could face a summary offence charge under the Emergency 911 Systems Act, with fines up to $2,000.