Police say there was a sudden surge in dropped 911 calls due to the feature that automatically calls 911 after the side button key is pressed five times in a row.
Play Video
Supt. Mike Bhatti, the B.C. RCMP’s officer in charge of operational communications centres, said a large percentage of the sudden increase in abandoned or dropped emergency calls were due to the Emergency SOS feature on Android smartphones that allows users to quickly place a 911 call.We deliver the local news you need in these turbulent times on weekdays at 3 p.m.By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
“After a 911 call is made, a police dispatcher must determine the caller is safe and there is not a true emergency. If an accidental call is made from a smartphone, callers should stay on the phone and speak to a dispatcher. They can explain the call was an accident and answer any questions the dispatcher may have,” Bhatti said.Article contentBhatti encouraged Android phone users to turn off the Emergency SOS feature on their phones to prevent these accidental calls.
To do that, go to the settings on your phone, click on the Safety and Emergency section and slide the toggle to turn the Emergency SOS feature off. Last month, the Ontario Provincial Police also asked Android phone users to disable the Emergency SOS feature for that same reason.Our in-depth journalism is possible thanks to the support of our subscribers. For a limited time, you can get full online access to The Vancouver Sun and The Province, along with the National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites, for just $40 for one year or $1 a week for 52 weeks.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Everrati reveals new EV 'inspired by' 911 STConversion specialist adds '70s hero to its growing electrified lineup
Read more »
Everrati Gets Sick Of Waiting For Porsche's New 911 ST, Makes An Electric One | CarscoopsLatest Everrati electric 911 switches from 964 base to classic G-series 911 donor ands takes inspiration from early 1970s ST lightweight car auto cars
Read more »
Exclusive: Most senior member of NYPD retires, signs out at 911 Memorial and Museum | amNewYorkThe most senior member of the NYPD retired Thursday after being on the job for 42 years.
Read more »
Lawyer Roasted for Calling 911 on ‘Unlicensed’ Food Vendor in NYC ParkA lawyer in New York City was snowed under with criticism this week after taking to Twitter to grumble about a person selling food in a public park, with users calling her “petty and vindictive” for calling emergency services on the vendor.
Read more »
Glendale PD works to hire more 911 operators, dispatchersA critical shortage of emergency-call operators could make it more difficult to get immediate help across the country. MORE ⬇️
Read more »
East Pennsboro residents asked to lock doors during police incident that put schools on lockdownPolice are asking residents to call 911 if they see anything suspicious, but did not provide details on what they are investigating.
Read more »