B.C. RCMP asks Android phone users to turn off Emergency SOS feature

A recent surge in dropped 911 calls at the B.C. RCMP’s dispatch centres has led to a call for people to turn off the Emergency SOS feature on Android cellphones.

Supt. Mike Bhatti, the B.C. RCMP’s officer in charge of operational communications centres, said a large percentage of the sudden increase in abandoned or dropped emergency calls were due to the Emergency SOS feature on Android smartphones that allows users to quickly place a 911 call.

The Emergency SOS feature on Android phones automatically calls 911 after the side button key is pressed five times successively.

“After a 911 call is made, a police dispatcher must determine the caller is safe and there is not a true emergency. If an accidental call is made from a smartphone, callers should stay on the phone and speak to a dispatcher. They can explain the call was an accident and answer any questions the dispatcher may have,” Bhatti said.