Blount County 911 dispatchers gets lots of bogus calls from kids

By JOSH AULT
6 News Reporter

WATE video

MARYVILLE (WATE) - Blount County 911 dispatchers say they're receiving lots of bogus calls from children playing with old cell phones.

Many parents may not realize that even though a cell phone might not have service, 911 calls can still be dialed.

Dispatchers say during the summer months the calls increase since so many children are out of school.

Blount County 911 day shift supervisor Susie Dunn says almost every day they get problem calls from kids.

"I had one where the kids were singing country songs," Dunn said. "I say they were videotaping themselves on the phone. I listened to them sing country songs until the officer got there."

"I believe what happens most of the time, children don't know they've called 911," Dunn explained. "They've gotten hold of a telephone that's not connected to any service, and possibly realize that it still calls 911.

Cell phone manufacturers were required in 2005 to make phones capable of calling 911 without service.

The ages of the children calling may come as a surprise. "Most of the time, I have to admit it's the younger, less than five, less than 10," Dunn said.

There's something simple you can do to help prevent these calls from happening. "Don't give kids cell phones without taking the batteries out first," said dispatcher Chuck Lewis. "A lot like to press buttons, and they might end up calling us."

Those false calls can hamper the work of emergency officials who need to provide help in actual emergencies.

Dispatchers also say parents need to educate their children about the purpose of calling 911, and when it's appropriate. 

If dispatchers can't confirm there is no emergency, they have to send a police officer to make sure everything is alright.