911 Hangups Place Burden on Police
6/11/2012
With the recent implementation of 10-digit dialing for local calls, there has been a sharp increase in 911 misdials. Please exercise care when you are intending to dial the area code 919 and not the emergency number 911. Careless dialing can delay responses to people in need.
Misdials and hang-up calls related to 10-digit dialing are slowing 911 call handling times and overtaxing operators receiving calls. On a conventional telephone and many internet-based devices, once you dial 911 - even in error - there is no turning back; your call will automatically be routed to the 911 dispatch center.
The misdials are also overtaxing local law enforcement agencies. Garner police, for example, have seen more than a threefold increase in 911 hangups since 10-digit dialing was introduced.
If you accidentally dial 911, stay on the line and tell the operator what happened. DO NOT HANG UP. Hanging up will result in the needless dispatch of a law enforcement officer to your home or business. These officers would otherwise be available to respond to real emergencies.