(NORFOLK COUNTY, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Norfolk County Detachments primary focus is public safety and we want to reinforce to the public the importance of the proper use of the 9-1-1 system
When people need emergency assistance, dialing 9-1-1 gets immediate help under normal circumstances.
On average, it takes at least two officers approximately thirty minutes to respond, investigate and clear the call. This puts enormous pressure on OPP resources when officers respond to unnecessary calls that can be prevented.
On Thursday, December 10, 2020, at approximately 10:59 p.m., officers attended a Queensway West address after an unknown individual contacted 9-1-1 reporting an emergency. It was determined that they called the emergency number after they had e-transferred money to purchase illicit drugs that never arrived and wanted to report a theft.
The use of 9-1-1 for emergency response continues to save lives when used appropriately and the OPP want those who need urgent help to use 9-1-1. The OPP also encourages families to discuss proper use of 9-1-1 to prevent hang ups and misdials from occurring.
The OPP is urging all Norfolk County residents to use 9-1-1 when there is an emergency.
Please do not call 9-1-1 about a power outage or to inquire about road conditions or if you have a sick racoon on your property or to order food. This is NOT an emergency. Residents are being asked to contact 1-888-310-1122 for all non-emergent calls for service.