SOUTH BRUCE COUNTY – The South Bruce OPP responded to 605 911 calls between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014. Of these 605 calls, 6 (1%) were actual emergencies.

Cell phone accidental or "pocket dial" calls accounted for 332 (55 pert cent) of the 911 calls that the South Bruce OPP responded to in 2014. This is up slightly from 2013 when officers responded to 323 cell phone calls which made up 56% of all 911 calls for the year.

The remaining 267 calls to 911 in 2014:

· 184 (30 per cent) accidental/misdial – ex. programming an auto dialer, attempting to call an overseas number.

· 48 (eight per cent) child playing with the phone.

· 35 (six per cent) phone line trouble.

How this compares to 911 calls received in 2013:

128 (22 per cent) accidental/misdial.
79 (14 per cent) child playing with the phone.
39 (seven per cent) phone line trouble.

"Cell phone "pocket dials" continue to be an issue for emergency responders. When 911 is called, emergency personnel will be dispatched. This represents a significant cost for rate payers, but the potential harm is much greater if an emergency responder is delayed getting to someone that needs immediate assistance. I urge you to "Lock it in your pocket." Lock your cellphone keypad when you aren't using it and save 911 for those that truly need it" – Acting Inspector Wayne Thompson, Detachment Commander, South Bruce OPP.

Source - OPP