In a 19-hour period on November 26, 2020, RCMP Manitoba emergency call takers received 12 emergency calls when there was no emergency. These calls were made to 911 or the local emergency number in areas that do not have 911.
In this small window, the non-emergent calls RCMP operators received were:
- 3:00 am – hang up from Winnipeg Beach area
- 5:30 am – a child accidentally dialed the emergency line from Cross Lake area
- 8:30 am – a call made in error from Selkirk area
- 9:30 am – a call made to 911 to ask about a criminal record check from the Fort Alexander area
- 11:30 am – phone issues resulting in a call to 911 from the RM of Bifrost area
- 11:30 am – phone issues resulting in a call to 911 from Teulon area
- 1:00 pm – a hang up from the Headingley area
- 3:00 pm – a misdial from the Selkirk area
- 4:00 pm – a hang up from the RM of St Andrews area
- 5:00 pm – a child accidentally dialed the emergency line from Gillam area
- 6:00 pm – a call made in error from Cross Lake area
- 10:00 pm – a prank call from Easterville stating someone was trying to break into a residence with a machete
RCMP emergency call takers must create a police file for every call that comes in. The call taker then dispatches the call to a police officer, who follows up to ensure public safety. A misdial or prank call ties up the emergency call taker and police officer, which means they are unable to respond to legitimate calls for service.
"We do not want to discourage anyone from calling for help in an emergency. That's what we are here for," said Chris Melnyk, RCMP Operational Communications Centre Manager. "If someone has called in error, or their child has misdialed, please stay on the line until you have spoken with an emergency call taker so we are aware there is no need for police attendance and we are not trying to locate you to ensure your safety."
Making a prank call to initiate a police response is an offence under the Criminal Code, and the caller can be charged with Public Mischief.