Why misuse emergency numbers?
Nov 17, 2002
SIR— Some irresponsible people continue to misuse emergency phone numbers 999 and 112
SIR— Some irresponsible people continue to misuse emergency phone numbers 999 and 112.
Recently an unidentified person called the police in Luweero, Wobulenzi, from a phone booth, saying that a house was on fire. The committed police personnel had to call a fire brigade vehicle from Kampala to the rescue, but when they reached the reported scene, there was no burning house.
I have had incidences where people, especially students, call the police on the emergency facility only to give nasty information like “My cigarette is burningâ€, “You’re stupidâ€, “I am with my wifeâ€, among others.
If things are left unchecked, the police will lose trust in any person who may call in an emergency.
I suggest the Inspector General of Police works closely with telecommunication companies (UTL, Celtel and MTN) to ensure that the emergency facility is completely removed from public phone booths. Whoever has a problem should inform police using known landlines and mobile phone numbers which can be followed up by police in case of abuse.
Peter Shimiyu
Mbale
Recently an unidentified person called the police in Luweero, Wobulenzi, from a phone booth, saying that a house was on fire. The committed police personnel had to call a fire brigade vehicle from Kampala to the rescue, but when they reached the reported scene, there was no burning house.
I have had incidences where people, especially students, call the police on the emergency facility only to give nasty information like “My cigarette is burningâ€, “You’re stupidâ€, “I am with my wifeâ€, among others.
If things are left unchecked, the police will lose trust in any person who may call in an emergency.
I suggest the Inspector General of Police works closely with telecommunication companies (UTL, Celtel and MTN) to ensure that the emergency facility is completely removed from public phone booths. Whoever has a problem should inform police using known landlines and mobile phone numbers which can be followed up by police in case of abuse.
Peter Shimiyu
Mbale