(supplied) 

On February 28, 2015 and March 8, 2015 Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have responded to multiple 911 hang up calls during both those days. During these calls there was no direct voice contact but voices could be heard laughing in the background.

A significant amount of time and resources were used in an attempt to locate the origin of these calls.  

Multiple calls have been received requesting assistance to different addresses in Echo Bay and Sault Ste. Marie.

On March 8, 2015 three 911 calls were made and originated within an 11 km radius of a cell tower in Laird Township. Area phone companies were contacted and investigation revealed that the cell phone being used was expired therefore there is no way to track the number or exact location/origin of the calls.  

OPP are requesting parents check old cell phones as they still have the ability to call 911 even if it is an expired cell phone.

OPP are mandated to respond to all 911 calls for service to promote public safety and security.  Police must ensure that there is no real emergency.

Police time spent on prank 911 calls is time that could potentially be used to save someone’s life.

—