9-1-1 calls in the London area no longer known as automatic emergencies.
London police have officially estimated that one third of the 9-1-1 calls they receive are not what they are intended to be. Police have noticed that a majority of these calls are put in because they can not reach anyone on the “non-emergency” line.
The concern here is that if some one with a emergency is calling they won’t get through to an operator quick enough.
“There are lots of amusing examples of calls that we receive that are clearly not an emergency but there is nothing funny about the fact that our 9-1-1 operators are dealing with a huge volume of calls that they should not be receiving in the first place.” said Communications Section Staff Sergeant Mary Ellen Costea.
In a study the LPS conducted it was shown that there has been about a 11% increase of calls this year from last.
If there is a crime in happening or even if it just ended and could put you or any one else in danger then dealing 9-1-1 is what needs to be done.
Important message from the LPS: We CAN NOT take reports through #socialmedia Please call 519-661-5670 or 911 #ldnont pic.twitter.com/0FJoOJx5g5
— London Police ON (@lpsmediaoffice) December 8, 2016
If you are reporting a crime and there is no danger, calling about a noise complainant or even need some advice then calling the non- emergency line is the right thing to do.
Another option is to go onto the London Police website where there is a section that you can make a report.
https://www.londonpolice.ca/en/services/Make-a-Report.aspx London Police Webpage
London Police are stressing that 9-1-1 calls are strictly for emergencies. There are other options to get ahold of emergency services for non-emergent instances.
Calling 9-1-1 can save a life.
“It is to the point where we are concerned that those with a real emergency are either not going to get through or will be delayed in getting through because someone has dialed 9-1-1 for an inappropriate issue.” said Sergeant Costea.
