‘My television has gone crazy,’ caller tells 9-1-1 operator in Peel region

Someone in the Peel region has called 9-1-1 — for help with a television.

The operator asks if the caller needs police, fire or ambulance.

“My television has gone crazy,” the unnamed caller responds. “I can’t get any channels or nothing.”

Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah shared an audio recording of the call on X today (Oct. 30). Duraiappah highlighted it as an example of calls that are “inappropriate or misuse” of the service.

When the 9-1-1 operator asks if it’s a “life-threatening emergency,” the caller asks who the person should call instead.

The operator then tells the person to call 6-1-1.

In his post on X, Duraiappah wrote that over 40 per cent of all calls to 9-1-1 “are inappropriate or misuse.” 

“When every second counts, our 9-1-1 operators should be responding to critical incidents only.”

The following incidents are considered examples of 9-1-1 emergencies: assault, gunshots, fire, medical emergencies, a crime in progress (such as a fight or break and enter), serious crime that has just occurred (such as sexual assault or robbery) and suspicious activity (such as a prowler or vandal).

For non-emergencies, people are asked to call 905-453-3311. 

Examples of non-emergencies include a noise complaint, reporting a crime with a delay (such as theft from last night), reporting a crime with no suspect (such as theft of a license plate), and and an ongoing crime issue (such as a drug deal with no suspect on scene).

Over 40% of all calls to 911 are inappropriate or misuse. When every second counts, our 9-1-1 operators should be responding to critical incidents only. For non-emergencies call 905-453-3311. #EmergencyServices #911AwarenessPeel@DeputyAndrews @DC_Milinovich @DeputyOdoardi pic.twitter.com/edLqFM1Aht

— Chief Nishan Duraiappah (@ChiefNish) October 30, 2023