The Austin-Mower County Law Enforcement Center reminds everyone 9-1-1 is for emergency use only.

Communications dispatchers at the LEC are always plagued with a certain number of unnecessary 9-1-1 calls.

However, now they are plagued with high technology.

"Our dispatchers are requesting that we inform the public of the number of false 9-1-1 cell phone calls," said Austin Police Chief Paul M. Philipp. "They are really becoming a nuisance."

According to communications dispatchers, between 10 and 15 false cell phone 9-1-1 calls are received daily at the LEC.

"These are all calls that are activated accidentally," said the police chief.

While cell phone-users can lock the key pad on their telephones to prevent accidental activation of the device, few do this, he said.

Consequently, when the cell phone's automatic dialing feature is activated, frequently the number called is the emergency 9-1-1 number on the key pad.

"There's nothing the dispatchers can do, but listen to the conversations of people driving in their cars or walking or whatever," the police chief said.

Accidental calls to the 9-1-1 number happen from land-line telephones and police officers can be sent to the residences to verify the possibility of an emergency.

However, when a false 9-1-1 call is received from a cell phone, it is impossible to go to the source.

While some cell phone 9-1-1 calls go to the Minnesota State Patrol, many others go to the local communications center in the calling area.

"It's really a nuisance," said the police chief, adding other lines are open to receive legitimate 9-1-1 calls.

In the past, communications dispatchers have also urged the public to reserve the 9-1-1 number for legitimate emergencies only.

Frequently callers will use the number to inquire about the weather, traffic conditions and other topics, he said.

Now, the dispatchers also are urging people to exercise caution with their cell phones being accidentally activated in the hopes of reducing and eliminating a growing menace to the important work of public safety personnel.

"There's nothing the dispatchers can do on their end, so we have to ask the public for their help," the police chief said.

Lee Bonorden can be contacted at 434-2232 or by e-mail at :mailto:lee.bonorden@austindailyherald.com