The Canadian Press
TORONTO — Toronto police are cracking down on accidental 911 calls.
The force is launching a new campaign Monday called “Lock it before you pocket” in an effort to curb “pocket dialing” to emergency services.
Police say 911 operators received more than 100,000 pocket dials and more than 115,000 misdials last year.
They say the problem typically occurs when people reach into their pocket, purse or backpack and hit a pre-programmed key on their cellphone that dials 911.
The campaign suggest people lock their phone’s keypad before stashing the device.
Police advise accidental callers to stay on the line and explain the situation so crews aren’t dispatched.
Copyright 2012 The Canadian Press