Chapter 9.16
911 SYSTEM MISUSE
Sections:
9.16.030 Good faith exception.
9.16.040 Misuse of the 911 system – Designated.
9.16.050 Misuse of the 911 system – Penalties.
9.16.010 Purpose.
This chapter is intended to reduce the number of false requests for emergency assistance or similar misuse of the 911 emergency response system. False requests result in waste of city resources and can create a public safety risk. Imposing penalties for nonemergency calls made when the caller does not have a good faith belief that an emergency is occurring will help to address these false requests. (Ord. 1008 § 1, 2024)
9.16.020 Definitions.
The following terms or words have the meaning below when used in this chapter:
A. “Person” includes any natural person, partnership, joint stock company, unincorporated association or society, or corporation of any character whatsoever.
B. “Misuse the 911 system” means a request for emergency response when no actual emergency exists and when the caller does not have a good faith basis to request emergency assistance. This definition includes, without limitation, false reporting, as that term is defined under RCW 9A.84.040, and telephone harassment, as that term is defined under RCW 9.61.230. (Ord. 1008 § 1, 2024)
9.16.030 Good faith exception.
This chapter may not be interpreted to impose liability on any person who makes a good faith request for emergency assistance based on a reasonable factual basis that an emergency situation exists. (Ord. 1008 § 1, 2024)
9.16.040 Misuse of the 911 system – Designated.
It shall be unlawful for any person to misuse the 911 system. It shall be an affirmative defense that the person charged has a good faith, reasonable factual basis for the request. (Ord. 1008 § 1, 2024)
9.16.050 Misuse of the 911 system – Penalties.
Unless otherwise provided in this chapter or by state statute adopted by reference, any person violating any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, be sentenced to a fine not to exceed $1,000 and/or 90 days in jail. (Ord. 1008 § 1, 2024)