10 calls that “missed the mark” in 2023

With 352,663 calls for service, our Saskatchewan RCMP's Divisional Operational Communications Centre (DOCC) had another busy year in 2023 taking calls ranging from 911 mis-dials and false alarms to serious incidents regarding matters of public safety.

This year, several DOCC employees were recognized for their dedication, outstanding leadership and contributions to DOCC and the province of Saskatchewan. DOCC manager Jocelyn James was selected as the 2023 RCMP National Operational Communications Centre Commander of the Year and several call-takers and dispatchers were presented with the Sask911 Excellence in Teamwork Award and the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials Canada Team Award for their quick and crucial response during the tragic events that occurred at James Smith Cree Nation and in Weldon in 2022.

Back in December of 2022, Saskatchewan RCMP announced their permanent addition of registered psychiatric nurses to DOCC. This program continues to provide a valuable service for 911 callers experiencing a mental health crisis and to the officers responding to scenes of mental health crises.

Here are the top 10 calls that "missed the mark" in 2023:

10. Rocky’s in the house - An individual called 911 to complain that their friend hit them in the face during their boxing match.

9. Bug alert - 911 dispatchers received a call from a person saying that wasps were getting into their house and they wanted an officer to help them remove them.

8. What-a-mess - A frustrated parent called 911 complaining that their child wouldn’t clean their room.

7. Beep, beep - A caller advised that their smoke detector’s battery was low and requested an RCMP officer pick some up for them.

6. Sunshine - An individual called 911 asking if they could park their car on the opposite side of the street to avoid the sun hitting their leather interior.

5. We’re in this toget-hair - An individual called 911 asking for a hair salon’s phone number so the caller could book a haircut.

4. Hangry - A caller advised that their bag of chips got stuck in the vending machine and they were hoping an officer would come and help and get the chips unstuck.

3. Buzz off - A concerned individual called 911 to advise that their campsite was being invaded by bugs and that they had no bug spray.

2. Grass is always greener - A frustrated individual called to complain that their grass wasn’t cut properly by the person they’d hired.

1. Order up - An individual called to complain that the smell of the deep-fried rink food was too strong.

“As entertaining as some of these calls are, we want to remind everyone that 911 is for emergencies and emergencies only. When I’m answering calls that aren’t an emergency, it means I’m not available for someone else who really does need potentially life-saving help,” says Lee Rosin, Recruiter for the Saskatchewan RCMP Operational Communications Centre.

If you have a report to make, contact your local RCMP detachment or by calling 310-RCMP from anywhere in the province.