From last November through this month, hundreds of calls were made to Saskatchewan’s 911 dispatch centre, all made from an unregistered cell phone. RCMP say the caller didn’t identify themselves, nor did they indicate any emergency. A news release from the Saskatchewan RCMP says 911 dispatchers and police treat all calls seriously and have to ensure there is no emergency at the other end of the line, even if no one speaks during the call or hangs up. Officers repeatedly check the area where the calls were being place, but couldn’t find evidence of any emergency.

On March 15th, the RCMP executed a search warrant at a home in Kenaston. Fifty-nine year old Kenneth Howells is charged with one count or harassing communications and one count of failing to comply with a probation order. He appears in Saskatoon Provincial Court on March 30th.

Sgt. David Pidlisny of the Saskatoon RCMP says, “911 is the life line for Saskatchewan residents experiencing an emergency. We can’t tolerate any misuse of it – it needlessly ties up 911 dispatchers’ and police officers’ time. I’m pleased our officers were able to investigate thoroughly and determine the origin of these calls.”