Chapter 9.18
MISUSE OF 911 EMERGENCY CALL SYSTEM
Sections:
9.18.030 Misuse of 911 system.
9.18.010 Purpose.
This chapter is intended to reduce misuse and abuse of the 911 emergency response system by providing for corrective administrative action upon the first offense, and criminal sanctions for repeated violations. [Ord. 18-12 § 7; Ord. 2023-15 § 1].
9.18.020 Definitions.
The following persons or words used in this chapter shall be defined as set forth in this section:
A. “Person” includes any natural person, partnership, joint stock company, unincorporated association or society, or corporation of any character whatsoever; and
B. “Emergency” means any condition in which a reasonable person would believe emergency services will result in the saving of a life, a reduction in the destruction of property, quicker apprehension of a criminal, assistance with potentially life-threatening medical problems, a fire, a need for rescue, an imminent potential crime, or a similar situation in which immediate assistance is required. “Emergency” also includes calls to 911, the purpose of which is to prevent an emergency response from being initiated when no such response is needed. This chapter does not apply to mechanical activations of requests for assistance, nor shall it 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. 18-12 § 7; Ord. 2023-15 § 1].
9.18.030 Misuse of 911 system.
It shall be unlawful for any person to use the 911 system for any reason other than because of an emergency. It shall be an affirmative defense that the person charged has a good faith, reasonable, factual basis for believing an emergency exists as defined in RMC 9.18.020(B). [Ord. 18-12 § 7; Ord. 2023-15 § 1].
9.18.040 Penalty.
A. Upon a first offense for misuse of 911 system as provided in RMC 9.18.030, the offender will be given notice of the conditions and requirements of this chapter, including the penalty imposed by this chapter for any subsequent offense thereof. Notice may be given verbally or in writing and must be documented by the person giving notice. No formal documentation process is required.
B. Any person who commits a second or subsequent offense for misuse of 911 system as provided in RMC 9.18.030 after being given notice per subsection (A) of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. [Ord. 18-12 § 7; Ord. 2023-15 § 1].