Mendota Heights Police: Ignore Childhood Warnings, Call 911

As a child, you were likely told that you were only to call 911 in emergencies. You may remember the public service announcements that aired on Saturday mornings, possibly between the Smurfs and DuckTales, that warned children to only call 911 if someone was seriously hurt on fire.

Well, times have changed, says the Mendota Heights Police Department (MDPD).

Because of advances in phone technology, police say all calls to the dispatch center are essentially answered by the same staff.

If you call the 911 line, the first thing they ask is, "do you have an emergency?" Just say "no," if that's the case, and they will put you on hold if there are other emergencies they have to deal with.

"So please, call 911 for all your police needs," MDPD said on Facebook. "Have some suspicious active in your area? Call 911. Want to talk to an officer about traffic concerns? Call 911."

"We are here, day and night, to serve the people of Mendota Heights, Mendota and Lilydale. You are not bugging us and your issues matter."

"You are not interrupting our business, you are the reason for it."

Image via Scary Side of Earth, Flickr, used under Creative Commons