Don’t hang up on accidental 911 calls: Comox RCMP

If you accidentally call 911, Comox Valley RCMP says don’t hang up!

Mounties say that if someone calls 911 and hangs up the phone, police are required to find out whether or not it’s an emergency.

In 2022, Comox Valley RCMP says officers responded to nearly 600 abandoned calls.

“This means that dispatchers and frontline officers will investigate the call until they can determine nobody is in need of emergency assistance, or get the required assistance on the way. Whatever the case, these calls take up valuable time tying up resources that could be used for an actual emergency or delaying the response to someone in need,” a news release from the RCMP said.

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Cst. Monika Terragni says that if people misuse 911 calls on purpose, that’s a different story.

“However, in the case of a pocket dial or accidental misdial, this would not apply,” Terragni said.

“Incoming 911-calls are all treated as emergencies and they become more difficult and time-consuming to investigate if nobody is there to speak with us.”

Mounties add that anyone who calls police is encouraged to stay on the line if you accidentally call 911.