Originally Posted by
dougmc
While I do like this story, I wonder if calling 911 without even talking to the dispatcher is ever the right thing to do (unless you're in a situation where your life is in danger and talking on the phone would increase the danger, of course.)
Actually dialing 911, and not saying anything when they pick up may be the fastest way to get a police response. They often take these calls as hostage/carjack situations and respond in force.
Some years back I was in the warehouse late at night and pocket dialed 911. I got a silent run, heavily armed response and they were not amused. The officer in charge wasn't ready to accept my "pocket dial" explanation, and read me the riot act, saying a phone wouldn't pocket dial 911. Then I reminded him that to check last night's logs for a report of vandalism or robbery at one of the stores in the center of town, Same phone.