Politicians Say Call 911 If Someone Is Smoking In A Public Place?

@elmiko (6630)
United States
June 7, 2008 7:45pm CST
I heard this a while back but its obviously dumb. The 911 operators said No because it would overload their phone calls and block real emergencies. I can't remember where this was but maybe someone could say on here.
1 person likes this
3 responses
Taskr36
@Taskr36 (13963)
• United States
8 Jun 08
In some places you would be fined for making a false emergency call if you did anything that stupid. 911 is not a federally operated organization and the rules vary from state to state, county to county, and city to city. There are still places in the US that don't even have 911. Here in Tampa, FL there is a non-emergency number to call if it's something petty like that. Odds are cops won't bother to respond anyway, but if you call 911, they'll just direct you to call that number.
elmiko
@elmiko (6630)
• United States
10 Jun 08
I know they probably fine people in most places for nonsense calls to 911. It makes sense.
anniepa
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
8 Jun 08
I have no idea where this could have been either but I'll say this much - if this were ever actually suggested in some areas the calls would never stop because the "Smoke Police" think they own the world and nobody would ever get through in a true emergency! Annie
elmiko
@elmiko (6630)
• United States
10 Jun 08
This would have no way of being sustainable over time. I don't even think I should type about this anymore.
Cocoa33
@Cocoa33 (921)
• United States
10 Jun 08
the operators were right and have their heads on straight. it would be dumb to waste a 911 on calling someone who is smoking. there are more important things to call 911 for. it would be a waste of time.