BY: STAFF REPORT | BocaNewsNow.com
BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2023 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office says dispatchers are experiencing an increasing number of 9-1-1 hangups on a daily basis. The agency is asking everyone to follow the following instructions if you — or your phone — accidentally dial 9-1-1:
“If you accidently dial 9-1-1 please DO NOT hang up – stay on the line and let the dispatcher know you called by accident and there is NO emergency. An accidental dial may result in a law enforcement officer responding to your location to confirm whether or NOT there is an emergency.”
PBSO uses geolocation technology so even if you do not speak, even if you do not realize that you called 9-1-1, dispatchers will more likely than not know exactly where you are and send a law enforcement response to your location. The agency suggests the following tips to prevent accidental 9-1-1 calls:
Lock it up – lock your smartphones when not in use. Put it away – many smartphones have high sensitivity including Apple/Droid watches and will call if bumped a certain way. Don’t let your children play with your smartphone. Shut off the 911 auto dial feature on your smartphone
