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“911, what's your emergency?" Police dispatchers face a lot of stress in their professional lives. Not only do they have to quickly help people who are in need of help or are panicking, but they also need to make hard decisions under pressure. While also learning not to bring their jobs back home with them because, unfortunately, they can’t have closure on all the calls that they take.

However, for some people, calling 911 operators is a joke or a game or they simply don't know better. Reddit users who work as police dispatchers shared some of the most ridiculous, the dumbest non-emergency calls they’ve gotten over the years. And they’re as frustrating as they are funny.

Scroll down for the best of the worst stories. And make sure to read Bored Panda’s interview with a psychotherapist about the type of stress emergency services operators face while on the job, how not to bring that stress home from work, and why people call them when they don’t have emergencies. According to her, when people understand that their jobs are meaningful, they’re much more resilient to the stress they face.

And remember… call the police when there’s an actual emergency, not because you have nothing better to do. Oh, and a quick reminder that you call 911 to reach the emergency services in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The number is 999 or 112 in the United Kingdom, 112 in many other parts of Europe, and can vary from country to country around the world.

This post may include affiliate links.

#1

911 Operators Share The Dumbest Non-Emergency Calls They've Ever Received My grandma used to call 911 to have the fire department bring her milk (she lived next to the fire department). She did this multiple times. Eventually, the fire chief gave her his direct line and he brought her milk until she came to live with us. She passed away in 2004.

My grandma was in early stages of dementia when this was happening, and it was a small town fire dept with a chief who had known her 30 years.

Byzantium42 , Elizabeth Dunne Report

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Bored Panda reached out to a psychotherapist based in Lithuania for a chat about police operators and dealing with the stress of the job. She preferred to remain anonymous because of how sensitive her work is.

“People working in emergency services are usually trained on how to react. The entire process usually has a very clear algorithm of actions, the call is standardized and streamlined as much as possible,” she said. “When you clearly know how to act, there’s a bit less stress.”
#2

911 Operators Share The Dumbest Non-Emergency Calls They've Ever Received This guy calls early in the morning to report a forest fire. He goes on saying it’s getting closer and then goes silent. He then said never mind. The forest fire was the sun coming up. He admitted that he normally isn’t up at this early in the morning.

TheGeofoam , Gabriel Sanchez Report

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#3

911 Operators Share The Dumbest Non-Emergency Calls They've Ever Received CALLER: There is a shark in the ocean.

ME: Yes, ma'am, that is where we keep them.

que_he_hecho · , Nariman Mosharrafa Report

Final score:
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Marcellus II
Marcellus II
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's guarding my extensive collection of shells which I keep near there.

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“Usually, stress arises from confusion, a lack of clarity, as well as either too few or too many choices,” the expert told us.

“If an operator is facing a very difficult situation, they can reduce their stress levels with the help of their colleagues,” she said that the dispatcher can ask their coworkers or supervisor for help or redirect the call to specialized services like firefighters or emergency medical services.

According to the psychotherapist, having clear boundaries and responsibilities both help 911 operators from bringing their jobs and the stress back home with them.
#4

911 Operators Share The Dumbest Non-Emergency Calls They've Ever Received Reporting the moon missing.
Imagine having so much faith in your local police department that you think they can recover the moon.

lazarus870 , Joonas kääriäinen Report

Final score:
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Serial pacifist
Serial pacifist
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The police performed a mooning in order to restore public peace...and moon.

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#5

911 Operators Share The Dumbest Non-Emergency Calls They've Ever Received When my daughter was 5 she spent a week with my dad. He gave her an old iPhone to play with. He said he got a kick out of it bc she has been “fake talking” to someone all week. Well towards the end of the week she handed the phone to him and he played along and said hello. It was a 911 operator! She had been calling all week to chat with them. They weren’t mad but wanted to let my dad know that out of service iphones can still call 911.

kikki1122 , Christopher Ryan Report

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#6

911 Operators Share The Dumbest Non-Emergency Calls They've Ever Received Bloke rang in a panic and said he was being burgled. Had walked to the bathroom in the middle of the night and seen a guy on the landing. Sprinted back to his bedroom and rang the police. 3 cop cars and a dog unit speed over to his house and do a sweep of the house. Couldn’t find anything. When one cop asked him where he’d seen this guy he showed him the hallway which had a very large full sized mirror at the end. Turns out the guy had seen his own reflection in the dark.

MacusTenus , Ksenia Chernaya Report

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“You have to clarify which actions were taken to give help to others and what is beyond the competence of the operator. It’s also important to vent the emotions that you feel at work,” she urged dispatchers to speak about the difficulties of the job with their other colleagues. If that’s not possible to do, it’s vital that they seek help outside the workplace and speak to a psychologist.

“Two of the most important factors that help maintain psychological resilience are: the support given by loved ones and colleagues, and the existence of a safe social space to speak about hardships,” she told Bored Panda.

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“It’s only natural that when you react to dramatic and tragic events, you face emotions like anxiety, anger, a sense of hopelessness, and others. The job of a dispatcher brings with it various psychological challenges, so it’s important to ensure that the people who take up this calling don’t just use up their personal resources but also manage to recharge them.”
#7

My wonderful nephew who has physical and intellectual disabilities called 911 because the cat stole his piece of chicken. Because he can't really speak they must have heard basically grunts and groans as he tried to tell his story.

They got to his house and found out everything was okay and he enjoyed the attention from the officers who responded. Unfortunately they had to teach him to NOT call 911 after that because he called three or four times after the first time because he wanted to see his new 'friends'.

Xylorgos Report

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#8

Dispatched for a 200 sq mile district with under 70k people, so even the main city wasn't very densely populated. Got a call one night on 911 from a guy who wanted animal control dispatched. Convo went like this:

Caller: There's a racoon!

Me: Where is the racoon? (Thinking we might be able to send someone if it's trapped inside or something)

Caller: In my front yard! He's in the tree!

Me: I think that's where racoon live, sir.

Caller: But I live in the city! Racoons can't live in the city!

Me:........ I dont think the racoon can read the city limits sign.

iamthemorgs Report

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J. F.
J. F.
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not that uncommon. Here in Germany we have foxes and racoons in bigger cities because they find food there and won't be shot at. Had a fox sitting next to me at a bus stop in a Berlin suburb once

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#9

911 Operators Share The Dumbest Non-Emergency Calls They've Ever Received One caller was concerned for his safety when going outside his house because the neighbor a couple of houses down had his table saw out in his garage and he was afraid the wind would blow the blade over to his house and injure him.

karsizzle , Gikü Report

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SCP 504
SCP 504
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

…what? How does that even… how could that… what?

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Some ways to recharge include developing high-quality social relationships, hobbies that bring enjoyment (e.g. drawing, music, various sports), and having the support of the workplace which can organize supervisory groups, seminars, and provide access to wellbeing consultants.

We also asked the psychotherapist to comment on the fact that some people call police dispatchers without any emergencies in mind. “I’d call that a plea for help, just directed to the wrong address,” she said.

“Odds are that the caller is having a rough time. A large number of them are probably kids or teenagers who aren’t being taken care of by their parents. Or people who have problems with staying sober,” the expert said that these people have a need for attention and to be taken care of.

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#10

911 Operators Share The Dumbest Non-Emergency Calls They've Ever Received Had a guy call, in a serious panic, saying someone was trying to break into his house. He sounded super panicked, anxious. I heard loud knocking through the phone. The caller also threw in "I pay your f**king taxes now SEND THE F**KING COPS, I DON'T WANT TO DIE", etc... I could hear that constant loud door banging and a muffled voice. The guy then throws in "I just had pizza delivered here, and now I have someone trying to break into my house!!"... and then I could hear through the phone, the delivery guy say "sir, you forgot your change!", over and over. That was back in 2009 and still bothers me at the utter stupidity.

BlackIsTheSoul , Mike Jones Report

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kathoco
kathoco
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’d say someone was at the post-munchies paranoia stage of smoking weed.

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#11

Got a call for a rat running around a shelf in the callers room.

Keep in mind - I take my job seriously. Everyone’s call is an emergency to them, I’ll respect that. This is the only call I’ve almost broke on and laughed. She had a thick accent and was on the verge of tears - and I was struggling to understand her. Eventually, after much confusion, she spells out M O U S E and mimics a mouse laugh (something like MA HEHEHEHEHEHEH) and I about lost it, I had to mute my phone and stand up. The mouse impression was like nothing I’ve ever heard, just so visceral and out of left field.

She was so afraid of this mouse though, we did send over an officer to clear the house for her. I stayed on the phone with her until responders arrived and comforted her, ensuring this wasn’t a dumb call to make, and that our officers would be happy to help.

DispatchAllDay Report

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#12

911 Operators Share The Dumbest Non-Emergency Calls They've Ever Received Someone called to tell us we don't need to use lights and sirens at night on our emergency vehicles because it woke up their baby.

Userscreename , 112 Uttar Pradesh Report

Final score:
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Ryan-James O'Driscoll
Ryan-James O'Driscoll
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People complain to the air ambulance about being disturbed at night. Some people are just so wrapped up in their own little world.

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According to her, sometimes even when people directly express these needs, they still don’t necessarily have them taken care of. “However, when they get in touch with emergency services, they feel like they’re being listened to. Sometimes, even an entire team of people reacts to a single person’s problems. It might be that these callers do need (a different kind of) help, but they’re lost or don’t know better and try to look for solutions by calling emergency services.”
#13

911 Operators Share The Dumbest Non-Emergency Calls They've Ever Received Calls 911 from a pay phone.

“911, what’s your emergency?”

“I don’t have an emergency. I didn’t have quarter and I want to talk to a cop.”

“Do you have $699.75?”

“Huh? What are you talking about?”

“Sir, 911 is for emergencies. You can be fined for misusing 911.”

“Are you gonna get me a f**king cop or not?”

“Sure.”

Yeh. He got the fine for it.

CrazyIslander , Yan Krukov Report

Final score:
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Huddo's sister
Huddo's sister
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good. It's all well and good helping out old people or children, or people with disabilities, who don't understand what an emergency is, but adults who should know better have to be fined.

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#14

911 Operators Share The Dumbest Non-Emergency Calls They've Ever Received Dude called 911 because he got off a train at the wrong stop and was broke. Honestly it wasn't even his predicament so much as he was absolutely obnoxious about it, even called 911 severel more times after I had already told him officers were en route. Annoying that he's tying up a line for medical emergencies, but that being said i'm going to preach a little: If you honestly think you may have an emergency but aren't sure if it "qualifies" for 911 use, don't worry about it and just do it. All emergency services personnel would much rather have much ado about nothing than have something terrible happen when it could have been prevented. This goes for all types of emergencies/situations.

DudelyMcDuderson , Kevin van Dun Report

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Luther von Wolfen
Luther von Wolfen
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I work in a homeless shelter. Guests sometimes call 911 for non-emergencies. One guy called and wanted the police to come because we wouldn't let him sleep on the floor. They came, talked to him for a bit and then took him for psych eval. I really appreciate the emergency services people who come here and deal with our guests.

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#15

911 Operators Share The Dumbest Non-Emergency Calls They've Ever Received CALLER: I want to report a robbery.

ME: Tell me what happened.

CALLER: I am at Burger King and I ordered 6 chicken nuggets but they only gave me 5.

que_he_hecho , pixnio Report

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#16

Caller: The doors to the Circle K are locked and I don’t see anyone inside. They are supposed to be open 24/7.

Me: Sometimes they do that when they need to use the restroom. Just give it a couple of minutes.

Caller: I’ve been standing out here for 10 minutes!

Me: Sometimes it’s more than pee.

MrIiams Report

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Vanessa Richardson
Vanessa Richardson
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This one isn’t so bad—something could have happened to the clerk.. like, who’s to say they aren’t tied up in the walk-in after a robbery or something? Then again, this guy could have just been impatient. Lol

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#17

911 Operators Share The Dumbest Non-Emergency Calls They've Ever Received Tons of calls about people being the "wrong" race in their neighborhood.

Userscreename , Budgeron Bach Report

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millennialkid avatar
Chicken Nugget
Chicken Nugget
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's so sad how, almost 150 years after the emancipation proclamation and 50 years after the civil rights movements, people can still be this racist.

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#18

911 Operators Share The Dumbest Non-Emergency Calls They've Ever Received Frantic Caller: "I want to report a suspicious male!"

Me: "Ok, where is he?" (gets location) "What makes him suspicious?"

Caller: "Well he's walking down the street carrying a dangerous weapon!"

Me: "What kind of weapon does he have and what is he doing with it?"

Caller: "HE HAS A SNAKE. IT...IT'S AROUND HIS NECK! SOMEONE SHOULD DO SOMETHING!"

Me: "....Ma'am, a snake is not a weapon nor is it illegal."

InconceivableWords , Lad Fury Report

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AnnaBanana
AnnaBanana
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Being from Australia, I'd argue that snakes could be classed as a weapon!

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#19

911 Operators Share The Dumbest Non-Emergency Calls They've Ever Received Guy called 911 before because he ordered a Filet-O-Fish from the drive-thru at McDonald’s and it had ketchup on it.

He was adamant about wanting the police to show up…His “argument” was that he worked at McDonald’s when he was 16 and you don’t put ketchup on Filet-O-Fish.

He got the police alright…and a DUI charge.

CrazyIslander , Tomomarusan Report

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#20

Had a guy call at like 3am, whispering. He and his wife had stayed up drinking, she had passed out on top of him, and he couldn't get up. And could barely breathe. She was 400lbs+ and he was 150.

They had just moved from out of state, and he didn't remember his address. And couldn't reach any pieces of mail. And was calling from a cell phone (in the days before smart phones).

That was a fun one to figure out.

eatyourbrain Report

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#21

911 Operators Share The Dumbest Non-Emergency Calls They've Ever Received CALLER: There is this light in the sky, out over the harbor.

ME: (looking out the window from which I can see the area). Sir, that is the moon.

que_he_hecho , Ganapathy Kumar Report

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#22

Me: 9-1-1, police, fire, ambulance.

"Police! Send the f**king cops to **address** now, there's a serious emergency". Silence. Then suddenly I hear tons of laughter, from grown adults. "Hahahaha, don't actually send the cops, this is just a joke". I also heard in the background "I can't believe he really did it!". The cops were already dispatched and by the time they got to the house they were not amused.

BlackIsTheSoul Report

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WilvanderHeijden
WilvanderHeijden
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Again, fine them with ridiculous fines. "Here sir, a $700 fine for abuse of the emergency number.... Just kidding, it's a $7000 fine. Do call us again...."

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#23

911 Operators Share The Dumbest Non-Emergency Calls They've Ever Received Two women called screaming so violently I was convinced they were being mauled or murdered. Their neighbors ferret slipped under the door to their apartment.

Mlynnc99 , Steve Tsang Report

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Huddo's sister
Huddo's sister
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I freak out when my mum's ferret comes near me, but I would never call emergency. It would be nice if mum listened to my panic and shut it away when I came over though...

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#24

911 Operators Share The Dumbest Non-Emergency Calls They've Ever Received Ambulance dispatch. Called for us to hand them the remote from across the living room. Yeah.

Suitable_Hamster_569 , Karolina Grabowska Report

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#25

Caller: I’d like to report a suspicious person.
Operator: Ok, what does he look like?
Caller: he’s wearing X and he’s black
Operator: Ok, what is he doing that’s suspicious?
Caller: nothing but he just looks really suspicious.

Turns out he’s just a man walking.

sneakajoo Report

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#26

911 education day at elementary schools were the worst because around 3:30 the phones would light up with kids testing to see if it really worked.

But my favorite 911 of all time:

Frightened Teenaged Boy: Um, yes, I was, uh, having sex with my girlfriend and the, uh, condom came off and she, uh, she still has it. Um, inside.

JustAFileClerk Report

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Bob D. Lin Quint
Bob D. Lin Quint
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Sir, I know this gonna sound gross, but.... You might have to stick your finger in there."

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#27

911 Operators Share The Dumbest Non-Emergency Calls They've Ever Received On the iPhone you can snooze your alarm by pressing the lock button, coincidentally you can also call 911 by pressing the lock button multiple times, I’ve done this twice now and both times the guy on the line laughed at me.

StabSnowboarders , Mia Baker Report

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#28

911 Operators Share The Dumbest Non-Emergency Calls They've Ever Received 911 call for Foreign Body in the abdomen... belly button lint, it was blue belly button lint.

Stoopiddogface , Kindel Media Report

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#29

911 Operators Share The Dumbest Non-Emergency Calls They've Ever Received Caller: I had a lady friend over, I went to get us drinks, there was $400 on my dresser, now she's gone and so is the money.

Me: (trying to get a description) what was her name, do you know where she lives, etc since he opened with saying he knew her

Caller: ughhhhh um I'm not really sure. I can't remember

Me: You don't know your "friends" name? (Awkward pause) do you want to find out and call back?

Mlynnc99 Report

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#30

Ran out of beer at house party and to save anyone drunk driving, could we deliver some.

RealisticBug564 Report

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#31

Karens not getting their way. One lady wanted to speak to officers because the people she was harassing were "sassy" with her... Officer told her that being sassy is not against the law lol Another guy called in about employees calling his girlfriend fat and telling them to leave the store. His full grown girlfriend was trying to ride in the small store cart and employees said she was too big for it and to get out of it or leave the store. A male Karen called approx 20 times in a few hour span screaming about a home coming dance music and that he pays taxes and they shouldn't be allowed to have dances and other nonsense.

it_just_me_hi Report

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#32

911 Operators Share The Dumbest Non-Emergency Calls They've Ever Received Didn't like the way the neighbors threw out their garbage.

Userscreename , Victor Amenze Report

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Chicken Nugget
Chicken Nugget
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

to be honest, leaving trash bags open will cause raccoons. My neighbor (whose communal trash can thing is in my backyard) once caused a raccoon infestation in my attic.

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#33

911 Operators Share The Dumbest Non-Emergency Calls They've Ever Received Asking what the number to 911 is.

30fireman , Berkeley Communications Report

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Serial pacifist
Serial pacifist
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Now, sir, calm down and follow my instructions: Take the stapler off the table and apply it gently to your forehead. You should hear a hissing sound of the air coming out of your empty skull which will relieve the pressure and anxiety you are feeling.

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#34

Parents who call on children for not listening or throwing tantrums. I mean kids 6 and under. Had a guy call 3 times in a night for his son and he got mad at me for telling him to use the non emergency number and not 911.

it_just_me_hi Report

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Monday
Monday
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Alright sir I'll get on the phone with CPS right away!"....do you think that would deter them?

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#35

911 Operators Share The Dumbest Non-Emergency Calls They've Ever Received Someone called 9-1-1 to report "a stranger called me a b**ch at the train station". My colleague had to inform the caller that namecalling isn't a crime.

BlackIsTheSoul , Tim Douglas Report

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#36

When I was around 6, I was spending the day with my grandmother while my father was at work. She was preparing dinner for all of us and needed my father to pick something up on his way home.

This was the age before cell phones were ubiquitous and she didn't know his work number off the top of her head, but that's alright, I knew his work number.

Now I was only 6, but I was pretty sharp for my age, so she just assumed that maybe I knew his work number.

So she pulls me up on the tall chair by the phone and has me dial, and I do:

9-1-1

My father worked at Fire Dispatch, so I was technically correct.

Anyway a lady answered and I asked if "my dad was there." Not his name, just "my dad." We get into a bit of a back and forth about how I called 9-1-1 and yeah, I know, my dad works at 9-1-1.

Eventually we do get my dad on the line, I think after the dispatcher asked my name. He asks to put my grandmother on the line. They talk for a bit, and that's that.

Apparently it happens from time to time. It wasn't a huge deal, and I wasn't in trouble, but my dad made sure to put the proper call line on my grandmother's speed dial and he had a talk to me about how I can't use that number if it's not an emergency.

SergeantIndie Report

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Lillian Swaim
Lillian Swaim
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The dad did actually work at "911" and the call went through, sounds like solid logic to me

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#37

Best one started at about 2am and ran until almost 5. Woman, lost in woods. Woke up, didn’t know her name or where she was. Said shed been abducted. This was pre smartphone and cell hits back then we’re 50/50. Some providers you got a great location, others might be a mile radius. This was the latter.

It was February, abnormally cold year, so hypothermia was a concern. Ended up with two helos looking (this county had three), numerous cars and fire trucks out searching.

So finally one of the ground units finds her car. Vehicle totaled, yellow paint down the side. About a mile back up the road is the school bus farm where they park all the county busses. Go to check it and yup, someone hit half the busses in there. Get the bloodhounds on her trail and they find her in a drainage pipe, hiding from the cops. Concussed, lost, but aware enough to know she didn’t want to be found.

She was your average central Florida chronic drunk. Left bar, brained herself driving through a school bus parking lot (through a chain link fence), made it another mile before car died.

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WilvanderHeijden
WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sadly revoking their drivers license won't stop idiots from driving anyway, sober or drunk.

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#38

A lady called 911 to report a police officer blocking the road. She wanted him to stop blocking the road and he wouldn't move.

The problem? A boat in the road, taking up the entire road, she wouldn't have been able to get by. Nevermind the huge crane there to lift the boat, also blocking the entire road with its outriggers, and the trailer the boat was going on, also sitting dead nuts middle of the road to be loaded.

But she called 911. To tell them to make the cop move. She had a hair appointment. And she was going to miss it if he didn't let her by. But she's going to sit there and call 911.

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#39

Had a guy demand for me to personally come pick him up and take him to get his tools. He said I had to since he pays taxes which means he pays my salary. I let him know if that was the case, I pay my own salary and to call an uber.

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WilvanderHeijden
WilvanderHeijden
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"I pay taxes, so I pay your salary" has been countered in the Netherlands by a cop saying: "So you're that person who won't give me a raise. Let's find out what I can fine you for..."

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#40

My eight year old wont get in the bath. Can you send an officer out to tell her she needs to?

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WilvanderHeijden
WilvanderHeijden
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No, but we can call CPS because obviously parenting is not for you.

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#41

911 Operators Share The Dumbest Non-Emergency Calls They've Ever Received "I have a court date coming up, but I have to go camping that day...what should I do?"

lazarus870 , ANTONI SHKRABA Report

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#42

Called out for a 2 yr old with hand-mouth-foot disease (common viral disease that causes irritating pustules). Mother called an ambulance because her 2 YEAR OLD didn’t want to go the hospital. Had to explain to the mother that she is the decision maker and that she can simply pick the baby up and place her in the car seat even if she fusses. So she did. This was a 911, lights and sirens emergency call out.

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#43

911 Operators Share The Dumbest Non-Emergency Calls They've Ever Received "Are homeless people allowed in the park?"

Userscreename , Caitlyn Wilson Report

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#44

911 Operators Share The Dumbest Non-Emergency Calls They've Ever Received Received a call because a house full of women had a cockroach in it.

TheZombiePlague , MART PRODUCTION Report

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#45

Toddlers whose parents give them phones to play with which aren't connected to any service. Yeah they still work for 911, and we can't call you back on them either. Luckily the mapping system usually works pretty well to the extent that not only can I tell the address, but can often tell the officers which area of the house the calls are coming from.

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Panda Kicki
Panda Kicki
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We install and activate Kids Zone, that way they need a code to do anything outside the play apps. Including emergency calls.

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#46

A fairly distraught caller complaining that someone was feeding the geese too much bread at the park.

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Chicken Nugget
Chicken Nugget
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Too much bread isn't good for geese, but I wouldn't call 911 about it lol

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#47

911 Operators Share The Dumbest Non-Emergency Calls They've Ever Received What time does the parade or fireworks start?

Turbulent_LegS9633 , Antonio Gabola Report

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#48

911 Operators Share The Dumbest Non-Emergency Calls They've Ever Received I have been called out for a grown man who nicked himself shaving. It had stopped by the time we arrived. I taught him the “toilet paper square” trick and about styptic pencils. He still wanted the 40$ taxi ride to emerg.

tawnyfawny , https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-a-man-shaving-his-beard-with-a-razor-7320131/ Report

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WilvanderHeijden
WilvanderHeijden
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do you not have alum blocks that immediately sear the wound. At least, that's how it feels....

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#49

"My chair is trying to kill me." (Older woman who would consistently lean too hard into her recliner and flip it. She strategically had her landline right there.)

Mlynnc99 Report

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#50

(during birdflu) My dog just sniffed a dead pigeon and then sneezed. I think it has the birdflu

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#51

A woman was reporting that a neighbour had forced the caller's 8 year old son into eating 4 or 5 pears that he had shaken off her tree. It was really difficult to keep a straight voice and really difficult to know how to classify that from the pre-defined categories on the system. In the end I went with "anti-social behaviour" and dispatch sent a PCSO to calm her down.

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Kay blue
Kay blue
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In case anyone is wondering, a PCSO is a police community support officer. They are baby cops, have no powers of arrest and basically deal with things that need a police presence but not so serious that someone needs to be detained.

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#52

Picked up trousers from dry cleaners and they weren't clean and the caller had a job interview the following day.

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#53

911 Operators Share The Dumbest Non-Emergency Calls They've Ever Received "My two year old has a piece of toilet paper in the nose."

Mlynnc99 , Elina Fairytale Report

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Brian Bennett
Brian Bennett
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you can see it pull it out - as long as nose was not bleeding!

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#54

I know a few 911 operators and they tell me that they consistently get 911 calls "to make sure it works."

Clearly, in this day and age when idiots seem to rule, this needs to be said. 911 does indeed work. You'll find out when the cops arrive at your door and give you a blast of s**t for being among the most stupid people in the nation. And hopefully a hefty fine as well.

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Kathryn Baylis
Kathryn Baylis
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Back in the day, when programmable phones first hit the market, I bought one. Frustrated the hell out of me that the only way to program a number on the phone was to call it. First number I put in was 911. Got a callback from them, checking that I was alright as they’d had a hang up call from my number, I explained about the phone, and they said that was happening a lot since those phones came out, but they wanted to check on me to be sure. It was a stupid, half-baked move on the phone manufacturer’s part. Never tried to program 911 into any “programmable” phones again.

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#55

I once called 911 to ask them to get me an Uber. It…. Was not my finest moment.

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#56

911 Operators Share The Dumbest Non-Emergency Calls They've Ever Received Advice on what kind of lotion to put on a sunburn.

lazarus870 , Beatrice Murch Report

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ᴠᴀ̈ɪɴᴏ
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂️ 🤦‍♂

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#57

‘The fuel pump won’t accept my card’ told them it wasn’t a police matter and hung straight up.

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Jaaawn
Jaaawn
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Happened to us once. Filled-up, tried to pay and machine was glitching so wouldn't accept card. Luckily the manager let us drive away as long as we promised to return later with cash or it WOULD become a police matter. Had to leave passport as collateral.

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#58

Had a lady call in because she wanted her neighbor's trash moved since she had company coming over. Trash pickup was the next day so it's not even like the neighbor had it out too early.

Dj_Baum Report

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#59

A caller wanting police to investigate the amazon package on the side of the road, in case it was stolen.

GeneralGreenCC Report

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#60

"I just left my groceries on the bus. Can you send a car to intercept it please?"

FlowersForAlgernom Report

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#61

50 year old who had a dr appointment at the dr office and was too tired to walk there so wanted an ambulance to bring her to her appointment.

FPSRocco Report

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#62

1 in 5 calls on some days would be people asking for police and going, "but I want NON emergency." Or calling 911 to ask for the 10 digit non emerg #.

lazarus870 Report

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Rustella
Rustella
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have called 911 for non emergency at night because I was worried the people in apt across from me were hitting their small child. I just immediately informed the 911 operator it was non emergency and she told me as long as people do that it's fine.

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