Scottsdale strengthens 911 system to keep emergency resources available when every second counts

The Scottsdale City Council has approved a new ordinance to help ensure 911 remains available for people facing real emergencies. 

Approved July 2, Ordinance No. 4704 takes effect Aug. 1 and makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor to intentionally, knowingly or recklessly use the city's 911 system for purposes other than reporting a crime or emergency. The ordinance gives Scottsdale a way to address intentional or repeated misuse of the 911 system while continuing to protect residents who call in good faith during an emergency.  

Scottsdale's 911 Communications Center answers nearly 100,000 calls each year. Most involve legitimate requests for police, fire or emergency medical assistance. Dispatchers routinely redirect non-emergency callers to the appropriate resources, but the new ordinance provides a legal mechanism to address the small number of individuals who intentionally or repeatedly misuse the system, helping keep emergency resources available for those who need them most. 

"This ordinance is about protecting the integrity of our emergency response system," said City Attorney Luis Santaella. "Residents should never hesitate to call 911 when they believe an emergency exists. This ordinance is intended to address the small number of individuals who intentionally or repeatedly misuse the system while protecting those who call in good faith." 

"Our dispatchers are often the first voice someone hears during one of the most difficult moments of their lives," said Police Chief Joseph LeDuc. "This ordinance helps ensure they can remain focused on true emergencies while providing a way to address the rare instances of intentional misuse." 

Under the ordinance, emergencies include fires, life-threatening medical events, accidents, gas leaks, hazardous vehicles, suicide attempts, missing persons and animals in danger. Crimes include crimes in progress, crimes that have already occurred, reckless driving and other moving traffic violations. Calls involving general information requests, directions, code enforcement concerns and city service issues should be directed to the appropriate non-emergency resources. Residents who contact 911 with a good-faith, reasonable belief that an emergency exists are protected under the ordinance.  

"When someone calls 911, our firefighters and paramedics respond expecting someone may need immediate help," said Fire Chief Tom Shannon. "This ordinance helps protect those emergency resources, so they remain available when lives and property are at risk." 

The ordinance was developed by the City Attorney's Office in partnership with Scottsdale Police and Scottsdale Fire and was reviewed by the City Council's Community Safety Committee before being approved by the full City Council.  

"This ordinance is a practical step that helps protect both our residents and the first responders who serve them," said Councilwoman Jan Dubauskas, chair of the Council Committee on Community Safety. "By helping keep 911 available for true emergencies, we're strengthening public safety across our community." 

Residents should continue calling 911 whenever they experience or witness an emergency or crime. For non-emergency police matters, contact the Scottsdale Police Department's non-emergency line at 480-312-5000.