Mayor Patrick Brown Advocates Fines For Inappropriate 911 Calls, Funds to Support Police Service

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown intends to propose the Region of Peel implement potential fines for negligent and inappropriate 911 calls in 2024, with the hope that any collected funds would be directed back to the police service.

Brown, joined by Peel police Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich, delivered an end-of-the-year public safety update during a press conference on Thursday, Dec. 28, addressing various concerns.

“We’re examining the legality around it, but if the fire department can do so, I believe the police could do so as well,” remarked Brown. “The fact that that’s increased year after year of people calling 911 for help with their TV or their pizza delivery and someone with a real emergency is on hold is abhorrent. Inappropriate calls are happening too often.”

Milinovich disclosed that their communications centre receives an average of 1,800 to 1,900 calls daily, with over 40 percent falling under the category of misuse. However, he noted that in 2023, 911 wait times decreased by 35 percent.

Addressing the issue, Milinovich emphasized the need for increased staffing and public education. “I talked about the misuse,” he stated. “That is a big bucket which, if you can bring it down, is obviously going to bring those wait times down. You know, we’re currently at 49 seconds, and the standard that we’re shooting for is 15.”

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