When NOT to call 9-1-1
As a 9-1-1 dispatcher in Cape Coral, please note: 9-1-1 is for emergencies only. That means imminent loss of life or property is possible, someone is injured, or a serious crime is in progress. That's why we answer with "what is the location of your emergency?" Otherwise if you need non-emergency police services you should be calling the non-emergency number (239-574-3223) or for general issues or questions regarding the city, 311.
These are examples of 9-1-1 calls I've had to handle that were not emergencies:
Man gets pulled over for a traffic violation and wants to talk to his "buddy who's a cop". This is an example of not an emergency. The man didn't even know his "buddy's" name, but even if he did, we sit in a dispatch center and all 320+ officers in Cape Coral are not on duty sitting in the room with us. 9-1-1 is not the reception desk for the police department.
Man says someone's knocking on his door. Oh gosh! Is he trying to break in? Was he chasing you? Does he have a weapon? No, he's a delivery driver and the man didn't think he ordered anything. Man asks what should I do? How about: tie up emergency services so people who need an ambulance immediately have to sit on hold.
Man gets pizza delivered but doesn't want it. Man's friend orders him a pizza but man decides he doesn't like it. Wants police to come out and remove it. Ten police units plus K9 dispatched to remove the pizza. STOP CALLING 9-1-1 FOR THIS CRAP, MISTER.
Man bothered by cars driving past his house. It's a public street, sir. Yes but they "keep doing it." Oh in that case we'll shut down your street so nobody can get to or leave their house. Police on the way sir.
Man made fun of by someone on the internet. Wants police to find out who it is and order them to stop "trashing" him. Man agrees it's not an emergency but doesn't know how else to "make it stop."
Man upset his adult son changed his last name. Estranged son took name of his stepfather and man wants "courts" to change it back. Naturally, he calls 9-1-1 to have that done.
Man wants to file civil lawsuit against someone but can't afford a lawyer. Says he has no money so police need to appoint him one for free. Told that's not how it works, sir. Man insists it is and wants to talk to supervisor.
Heavily intoxicated man refused more alcohol at a bar. Demands police come out to order the bartender to give him one more beer. Claims he can easily drink 20 beers in a night but he's only had "about 10" and isn't intoxicated, which he pronounces "insh...inshtoxic...drunk." That was his emergency.
Heavily intoxicated man being harassed. Is the other man there with him? No, he lives in another state but he was told by someone else that he said untrue things about him. Wants him arrested. Thank you for calling 9-1-1 for this, sir.
Heavily intoxicated man refused sex by woman. States he paid for her dinner at Red Lobster and the two were "in love" despite being a first date, "led him on" by agreeing to invite him to her apartment, but refused physical intimacy "or even a kiss." Man wants the woman arrested for "fraud."
I could go on and on but I won't. Thanks for letting me rant.
Stay safe out there Cape Coral!