Marathon County Sheriff's Department Sees Increase in Accidental 911 Calls

Tuesday, June 6th, 2023 -- 5:00 PM

The Marathon County 911 Communications Center has seen a significant rise in accidental 911 calls, like many offices throughout the state.

In the morning hours of Saturday, they responded to 100 accidental calls. Law Enforcement follows up on or responds to all of these calls. The extra attention on mistake dials may take resources away from people with real emergencies.

Many accidental 911 calls can be attributed to a recent Android update which makes it easier for users to call 911 by swiping the screen several times.  If you do accidentally dial 911, you are not in trouble.  Please stay on the line with them as they need to determine emergency services isn't needed.

Couple of prevention methods. Review your phones 911 or SOS settings. You can still call 911 if you turn off the touch 911 settings on your iPhone or Android. If you’re enjoying the outdoors, make sure you keep your phone in an area where the side buttons or screen cannot be repeatedly touched or bumped.

The Dodge County Sheriff's Department has made a video discussing this topic.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.