Toronto Police Introduces New Non-Emergency Line
The Toronto Police Service (TPS) has rolled out a new non-emergency number, *877, aimed at easing the burden on the main 911 emergency line. This initiative is designed to help manage calls more effectively and ensure that urgent situations receive prompt attention.
How to Use the New Number
Residents can now use their mobile devices to dial *877 for reporting incidents that do not require immediate police intervention. Examples of such situations include home break-ins discovered after returning from a trip, thefts, reckless driving, or other concerning behaviors that pose no immediate danger. It’s important for callers to remember to include the asterisk (*) before dialing the number in order to connect successfully.
Limitations of the Service
This new service is currently only available on mobile phones and cannot be accessed through traditional landlines. Major carriers like Bell, Rogers, Telus, and Freedom Mobile support this feature along with their associated brands. If you’re using a landline phone or an unsupported carrier, you will still need to call 911 for emergencies.
The Need for Change
Toronto Police data reveals that TPS handles approximately two million calls each year. Despite this high volume of calls, a report from Toronto’s Auditor General highlighted some challenges within the service. The report indicated that TPS did not meet standards set by the National Emergency Number Association (NENA), which requires 90% of emergency calls to be answered within 15 seconds. Staffing levels and call volume were identified as key factors affecting response times.
The introduction of the *877 non-emergency line comes as part of efforts made in response to these findings. By directing non-urgent matters away from 911, TPS aims to improve overall efficiency and ensure quicker responses for those in critical need.
This initiative reflects an understanding of community needs while also addressing operational challenges faced by law enforcement agencies today. By providing residents with an alternative way to report less urgent issues without overwhelming emergency services, Toronto Police are taking significant steps toward enhancing public safety and trust.
See also
Your Role in Using This Service Wisely
As citizens utilize this new resource responsibly-reserving it strictly for non-emergencies-they contribute positively towards improving police response times across all types of incidents in Toronto.
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