911 Dispatchers Get Hung Up On Hang-Ups

Prank calls lead to frustration and the possibility that response could be delayed. (more)

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When you dial 911, you expect help, right? When dispatchers answer, they expect emergencies.

By: Marcus Thorpe | NBC4i.com
Published: November 09, 2009

-- When you dial 911, you expect help, right? When dispatchers answer, they expect emergencies. In many counties, there are hang-ups, though.

NBC 4 reported with the FAST FACTS.

In Fairfield County, a teenager is facing serious charges after the sheriff said the teen placed nearly 100 prank 911 calls.

Sheriff Dave Phalen said each community has to deal with its fair share of pranks or phony calls each year.

The issue is serious.

Each call has to be returned to make sure there is no emergency.

That time takes away from legitimate emergency calls.

Law enforcement agencies said if you are caught making bogus calls to 911, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Agencies have tracking technology to find out from where the calls are coming.

For additional information, stay with NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com -- Where Accuracy Matters.
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