Ottawa Police sees a 49% increase in misdialled calls to 911

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, July 17, 2023   1:15 pm

(Ottawa) – In the first quarter of 2023, there has been a 49% increase in “hang-up, pocket and misdialled calls” made to 911, representing 50 000 calls. This represents 21 000 more calls received for that period compared to 2022.

Each ‘dropped’ call warrants a follow-up by the Communications Centre to determine if there was an emergency or not.

“If you dial 911 by mistake, please stay on the line and answer the operator’s questions who needs to confirm that there is no need for emergency services and that you are safe,” said Inspector Russell Lucas with the Information Directorate of the Ottawa Police Service. “Every 911 call has to be accounted for and unintentional calls, hang-ups and misdials can take valuable time away from actual emergency calls and life-threatening situations.”

Some of the increase is due to people activating the SOS function on their android phones. Various public safety agencies are working with the CRTC and manufacturers to reduce pocket/misdialled calls.

Here’s what you can do to avoid misdialling 911:

• Turn off the 9-1-1 auto-dial feature.
• Check the user manual or the manufacturer’s website, or call the service provider to determine whether your device has this feature and how to turn it off.
• Refrain from programming a wireless device to automatically or "speed dial" 9-1-1.

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