RESIDENTS are being reminded to only call 999 in an emergency after a caller repeatedly rang the line to abuse call handlers.
West Midlands Police said the man called 999 more than 20 times within two hours, abusing force contact staff and making threats.
Despite being offered support, he continued to be abusive to staff trying to help him.
He was subsequently arrested and charged with malicious communications.
Dialling 999 for reasons other than an emergency can cost lives.
Inappropriate calls slow down our response to genuine emergencies by tying up an operator.
This stops genuine callers getting help and places the lives of others at risk.
Lyndsey Bailey-Smith, strategic business lead for force contact said: “Our call handlers work incredibly hard to keep the communities of the West Midlands safe.
“Their hard work means we are now one of the best performing police forces for answering 999 calls.
“While carrying out their everyday work, they should not be facing abuse from members of the public.
“It will not be tolerated.
“We are here to help you in an emergency and if our operators are tied up with inappropriate and abusive calls, we may not be able to resource a genuine emergency.”
Only call 999 when there is danger to life, immediate threat to life or there is a crime is in progress and for non-emergency calls, please call 101 or contact police via Live Chat on the force’s website.
