If you ever wondered what not to call 911 for, Saskatchewan RCMP have released a list that answers that question loud and clear.
The Saskatchewan RCMP says Operational Communication Centre staff answered 422,378 calls in 2025, a 15 per cent increase compared to 2024. While many calls involved genuine emergencies, others missed the mark entirely.
“We release our annual list to remind people that misusing 911 can delay emergency responders from reaching someone in a life-threatening situation,” said Jocelyn James, manager of the Saskatchewan RCMP Operational Communication Centre.
“Saskatchewan RCMP 911 call-takers and dispatchers answered 422,378 calls this year. Every moment we’re spending speaking with someone who is complaining about their family member’s loud snoring is a moment that could have been used helping someone in a serious emergency,” James said.
To drive the message home, RCMP shared their top 10 most head-scratching 911 calls of 2025.
10. End of the roll: A frustrated individual called to complain that they were out of toilet paper.
9. Rocky road: 911 dispatchers received a call from an individual that was upset because they had to drive their expensive vehicle through a construction zone.
8. Are you there? A caller advised that they called 911 because the TV show they were watching inadvertently triggered their phone to place the call.
7. This isn’t an aisle: An individual called to complain that someone left a shopping cart in their driveway.
6. Where to next: A frustrated individual called looking for a phone number for a taxi service.
5. Don’t get into a spin: 911 dispatchers received a call from a concerned individual about their neighbours not following the rules of laundry day.
4. Order up: An individual called to complain that a restaurant was taking too long to make their lunch.
3. Zzzzzz’s: 911 dispatchers received a call from an individual because their family member’s loud snoring was keeping them awake.
2. How dare you: A frustrated individual called because their friend cooked their pork chop without permission.
1. Can you send a pin? 911 dispatchers received a call from an individual saying they had lost their phone and were wondering if an officer could give the phone a call so they could hear it. (Read that again…)
RCMP are reminding residents that 911 is strictly for life-threatening emergencies and crimes in progress. Calling for non-emergencies can delay help for someone who truly needs it.
Police also warn there are consequences for misuse. Under Saskatchewan’s Emergency 911 Systems Act, improper use of 911 is a summary offence and can result in fines of up to $2,000.
The message from dispatchers is simple. If it can wait, or if it is about lunch, laundry or missing toilet paper, 911 is not the number to dial.
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