Mean cats, messy rooms and math equations were among the unnecessary reasons Saskatchewan residents called 9-1-1 in 2024, according to a list shared by the Saskatchewan RCMP’s DIvisional Operational Communications Centre (DOCC) on December 7.
In total, the DOCC received a total of 367,707 calls for service in 2024, ranging from serious incidents that threatened public safety to matters that were decidedly non-emergencies.
These 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 me-owt: 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.
Lee Rosin, recruiter and training facilitator for DOCC, said that while it is fun to share this annual list, it is important to realize that their officers play a really important role during emergencies.
“We are the first voice someone hears when they reach out for help from police. We are there until emergency services arrive to help them. We dispatch police officers to calls and provide them assistance during them,” said Rosin, in the release.
He added that it is important that these call lines remain open for people who need to reach out for help, and needing help to unlock your phone or calling about a suspicious fox does not qualify.
As well, the Saskatchewan RCMP would like to remind the public that there are ramifications for those who misuse 9-1-1. 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.
For more information on how to join the team at the Saskatchewan RCMP’s Operational Communication Centre, visit: https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/telecommunications-operators-9-1-1-dispatcher