REGINA — With 367,707 calls for service, Saskatchewan RCMP's Divisional Operational Communications Centre (DOCC) had another busy year in 2024, taking calls ranging from 911 mis-dials and false alarms to serious incidents regarding matters of public safety.
“Our annual list is fun, but it’s important to realize that DOCC officers play a really important role during emergencies,” says Lee Rosin, recruiter and training facilitator for DOCC.
“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.”
Rosin adds, “It’s important that these lines remain open for those who reach out for help through 911 or 310-RCMP.”
Here 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 meowt: 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 cellphone.
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.
Please remember: whether you’re frustrated with your washing machine, trying to unlock your phone or suspicious of a fox – calling 911 must be reserved for emergencies and crimes in progress, 911 dispatchers say.
Saskatchewan RCMP reminds the public there are ramifications for those who misuse 911. Not only is there a chance of preventing someone with a life-threatening emergency from getting help, but there is also a summary offence charge under the Emergency 911 Systems Act with fines up to $2,000.
