The Saskatchewan Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has released its annual compilation of the most head-scratching and inappropriate calls made to the 911 emergency line in 2025. The list, published on January 7, 2026, highlights ten incidents that authorities say "missed the mark" on what constitutes a genuine emergency.
A Year of Baffling Emergencies
From culinary disputes to lost electronics, the 2025 list showcases a range of non-urgent situations that prompted residents to dial the critical three-digit number. The RCMP's Operational Communication Centre, which fielded a staggering 422,378 calls throughout the year, shared these examples to underscore a serious public safety message. This volume represents a 15 per cent increase over the total calls received in 2024.
The top ten calls, presented in descending order from questionable to outright baffling, are as follows:
10. End of the Roll: A caller contacted 911 to report they had run out of toilet paper.
9. Rocky Road: An individual was upset and called emergency services because they had to drive their expensive vehicle through a construction zone.
8. Are You There?: A person advised that a television show they were watching accidentally triggered their phone to place a 911 call.
7. This Isn't an Aisle: A complaint was lodged about someone leaving a shopping cart in a private driveway.
6. Where to Next: A frustrated caller dialed 911 seeking the phone number for a local taxi service.
5. Don't Get Into a Spin: A concerned individual reported their neighbours for not following the unofficial rules of laundry day.
4. Order Up: An individual called to complain that a restaurant was taking too long to prepare their lunch order.
3. Zzzzz's: Emergency dispatchers received a call because a family member's loud snoring was preventing the caller from sleeping.
2. How Dare You: A furious person called 911 because a friend had cooked their pork chop without asking for permission.
1. Can You Send a Pin?: In the year's most ironic call, an individual contacted 911 to report they had lost their phone. They requested that a police officer call the device so they could hear it ring and locate it.
A Serious Reminder About Emergency Resources
While the list may provoke laughter or disbelief, the RCMP stresses that misusing the 911 system has serious consequences. Jocelyn James, manager of the Saskatchewan RCMP Operational Communication Centre, emphasized the critical nature of keeping emergency lines clear.
"We release our annual list to remind people that misusing 911 can delay emergency responders from reaching someone in a life-threatening situation," James stated in the official news release.
The RCMP reiterates that the 911 system "must be reserved for life-threatening emergencies and crimes in progress." Inappropriate use ties up call-takers and dispatchers, potentially preventing someone with a genuine, urgent crisis from getting immediate help.
Legal and Financial Consequences
Beyond the ethical and practical implications, there is a legal penalty for abusing the emergency line. Under Saskatchewan's Emergency 911 Systems Act, misusing 911 can result in a summary offence charge. Individuals found guilty may face fines of up to $2,000.
The annual publication of these frivolous calls serves as both a humorous cautionary tale and a vital public service announcement. As call volumes continue to rise, the Saskatchewan RCMP hopes residents will think twice before picking up the phone for anything less than a true emergency.
