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911 Calls Spike for Raymond RCMP

Jun 7, 2016 | 9:27 AM

RAYMOND:  Raymond RCMP have been forced to issue a reminder that the 911 service is for emergencies only, after seeing a 473-per cent jump in calls from 2014 to 2015.

Sergeant Kelly McCoy explained that unfounded calls and children playing with phones are part of the problem, but noted that another cause stands out as their main concern.

“We have noticed a high number of 911 calls coming in that are false in nature once we do the investigation,” explained McCoy. “That’s determined by actually attending these calls to ensure that somebody does not require the 911 service.”

McCoy pointed out that in addition to taxing their resources, it’s also creating a risk for other members of the community.

“Once we’re tied up on a 911 call that comes in that’s unfounded, we have to carry through to confirm, so if somebody else does need the police service and we’re tied up, it may extend that length of time to respond to an actual 911 call.”

If you require police service but it’s not an emergency, McCoy asks that you call their detachment at 403-752-4747 from 7:30-am to 5:00-pm Monday through Friday. You can also reach the RCMP 24-hour complaint line at 403-752-3351.