Unintentional 9-1-1 Calls
911 Communicators at the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service have been experiencing a significant increase in the number of unintentional 9-1-1 phone calls.
In the last few days, dispatchers have received at least 15 “pocket dials.” Such calls, though accidental, drain law enforcement resources and occupy phone lines needed for emergencies.
Pocket dials happen when a keypad on a mobile device carried in someone’s hand, pocket, purse, backpack, etc. is accidentally pressed. While most people can hang up on a pocket dial once they identify it as such, police dispatchers cannot.
Police dispatchers must take every 9-1-1 call seriously. When a caller doesn’t respond, dispatchers must take steps to pinpoint the caller’s location, call them back, and ensure their safety.
If you accidentally place a 9-1-1 call and realize you have done so, it is important that you stay on the line and let the dispatcher know it was an accident. If you hang up, the dispatcher will call you back. It is important that you answer. You will not be in trouble – the dispatcher just needs to make sure there is no emergency at your location. If you do not pick up, police may be dispatched to your location.
To prevent unintentional 9-1-1 calls…
- Lock your phone when you are done using it
- Set a passcode to access your phone
- Adjust your settings
- Android:
- Settings > Lock Screen and Security folder > “secure lock settings” > Smart Lock > disable “On-body detection”
- iOS (iPhone)
- Settings > Touch ID & Passcode folder > disable relevant options in “Allow access when locked”
- Android:
