Don't dial 999 to seek traffic directions in UAE: Cops

Ajman - These non-emergency calls keep the line busy, causing inconvenience to many people who are actually in an emergency.

People seeking information about traffic conditions and directions; some complaining about wrong parking, while others looking for a business location continue to pester the Ajman Police by calling the emergency number 999.
These non-emergency calls keep the line busy, causing inconvenience to many people who are actually in an emergency and trying to reach the police, said Lieutenant-Colonel Hisham Abd Allah Abu Shihab, director of police operations at the Ajman Police.
He pointed out that the police have provided 999 to report cases such as traffic accidents, thefts or assaults or any threat to the safety of the individual, apart from cases that concern security. "But many people call 999 for silly reports or non-emergency matters."
For non-emergency cases, the police urged residents to call 901. The number receives calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide services for people who have problems (including those related to parking), normal complaints and queries about various services, but not emergencies.
Abu Shihab said the police will continue to improve and develop all its services, particularly the standard of attending calls that ensures public satisfaction. The police will also strive to upgrade smart applications to save time and effort, he added.
Abu Shihab pointed out that the 901 service if used properly would contribute towards curbing illegal activities, including begging and reckless driving.
He explained that the number 901 is capable of receiving multiple calls at a time, as it functions on a smart answering system, ensuring that the line is not busy at any time.
"The calls are immediately answered, giving the caller the option to either follow the automated instructions or to directly speak to the officers in the operations room."
Bizarre calls the cops have received
>Police forces across the country have previously revealed that residents dial up the emergency number for non-issues. In fact, the Dubai Police said 75% of calls made to 999 were non-emergencies in 2018.
>One person called the police seeking directions to reach his destination
>A lonely man called the Ajman cops for three months straight to recite his poems and discuss life in general
>Some people dialled 999 during Ramadan to ask if it was Maghrib yet so they could break their fast
>A child called the Dubai Police, telling them to register a case after he lost his bicycle
>A woman called the emergency number in Dubai for complaining about an incompetent maid
>Another woman called the police after finding a bird with a broken wing
>One resident wanted the cops to tell him how to book a taxi
>Yet another asked for medicines for a headache.
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com

• Ajman