Massachusetts 9*1*1

I heard a story on the radio recently about an effort to establish a law in Massachusetts regarding the abuse of 9*1*1. In short, it will be against the law to harass a 9*1*1 operator.


Hmmmm...harass? I thought. What is involved in harassing a 9*1*1 operator?

I imagined people calling up and freaking out about ambulances that hadn't arrived yet -- kind of like bitching at the cab dispatcher. But, no. The radio story asked the same question and went on to play clips from actual calls as examples of what crossed the line.

One man yelled at the operator because traffic was really bad on the Mass Pike.

One woman called to complain that the local weather forecast had been wrong and it was raining hard.

I wish I were kidding.

This made me wonder about what people are thinking. When did 9*1*1 being only used in case of emergency get lost? When did the concept of emergency get lost? Apparently these people felt the need to talk to someone -- okay vent at some one -- but since when did personal frustration prompt a call for municipal help? I can understand calling a spouse or friend to blow off some steam during a traffic jam or unanticipated weather experience. My sainted husband has supplied a sympathetic ear through my years and years of commuting. But all I expect from him is an understanding, "Sorry -- that sucks." What do these callers expect from 9*1*1?

The only answer I can come up with is that driving alone in your car can be a very isolating experience. Why not call someone who is paid to answer? It is a community resource after all.

Well...I didn't say it was an answer that made sense.