Atlanta, GA
Atlanta E-911 dealing with increase of non-emergency calls
ATLANTA — Atlanta E-911 say they are dealing with an influx of non-emergency calls to the 911 Center. They say those calls are tying up resources to deal with real emergency calls.
They’re receiving calls like a homeowner asking for help to move pillows from one couch to another. Another call is someone asking for a score to the game.
Those are some of the most recent calls, that the Atlanta 911 Center told Channel 2′s Larry Spruill they’re receiving on a regular basis.
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The problem is these calls are not emergency calls.
“We have a large number of calls that should not be received in the E-911 Center,” Atlanta E-911 Director Desiree Arnold said.
Arnold said when they receive those calls into the 9-1-1 Center, it affects everything.
“We receive multiple calls of just regular requests, like can you assist me with finding my keys, things of that nature that tie our call center employees up and then we’re unable to get to other calls,” Arnold explained.
Channel 2 Action News has reported several times on 911 center wait times and delays.
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According to Atlanta E-911, in 2023 they answered more than 1.3 Million 911 calls. Those calls include both emergency and non-emergency calls. That’s over 3,700 calls per day.
Atlanta E-911 said roughly 60% of the calls that come into 911 are non-emergency.
“For a long period of time, people have been told to call 911 about everything. Anything that happens, just call 911, because we’re always here and we always answer the phone. There are so many other resources available now. There are so many things that you can google. If you want to know where your loved one is in jail, go to the jail website, you don’t have to call 911 for that. That’s where we are now, we’re trying to educate the public on when is the correct time to call 911,” Arnold said.
Inside the city of Atlanta city limits, Atlanta E-911 can receive text messages from citizens. Just text the numbers 9-1-1 as you would any other number.
Texting 911 is useful for things like:
- Reporting non-emergencies that don’t require officers to meet with you. (i.e. illegal parking, noise ordinance violations)
- Texting when a voice call would otherwise be unsafe. (i.e. hidden within your home during a burglary or domestic violence situation.
- The capacity of the caller to speak, for any number of reasons is diminished.
The 911 center is also hiring.
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Atlanta, GA
Police increase presence across metro Atlanta amid teen takeover rumors
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Popular gathering spots across metro Atlanta saw heightened law enforcement presence Saturday night following rumors of potential “teen takeovers.”
Authorities say a similar event last weekend led to more than a dozen teenagers and adults being taken into custody. In response, agencies across the metro area are stepping up patrols in several high-traffic areas, including the Beltline and the Cumberland Mall and Battery districts.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 9 juveniles, 8 adults charged after weekend ‘takeover’ event at The Battery
Along the Atlanta Beltline, Atlanta police confirmed they increased staffing levels as a precaution. An APD officer on scene told Atlanta News First that officers are maintaining an enhanced presence due to the takeover rumors. An Atlanta News First crew observed multiple people put in handcuffs and an APD officer at the Beltline said four guns had been confiscated.
Multiple patrol units were visible along the Beltline, with officers monitoring foot traffic and briefly detaining several individuals. Police said the show of force is intended to deter large, disruptive gatherings before they begin.
Cumberland Mall to have teen curfew Saturday after ‘takeover’ at The Battery
In Cobb County, law enforcement agencies are coordinating efforts around Cumberland Mall and The Battery Atlanta. The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office deployed its mounted patrol unit, with four deputies on horseback circling the mall. Units from the Cobb County Police Department, Marietta Police Department, and the Georgia State Patrol were also seen monitoring traffic and pedestrian activity in the area.
Electronic message boards and posted signage between Cumberland and The Battery warned visitors of the increased law enforcement presence. Officers said the goal is to prevent a repeat of last weekend’s arrests and ensure public safety.
For now, officials say the evening remains calm, but they are prepared to respond quickly if large crowds begin to form.
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Atlanta, GA
Shooting causes lockdown at Mall of Stonecrest
STONECREST, Ga. – The DeKalb County Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred at the Mall of Stonecrest on Saturday afternoon.
What we know:
The department was alerted to the shooting around 12:40 p.m. Officers responded to the mall and immediately began a search of the premises. In an early update, police stated the mall was on lockdown and that no victim had been found.
A few hours later, police confirmed a victim had been located and several people were detained after running away from the mall. The injured person was transported to a hospital and is expected to survive.
The mall remained on lockdown as of 3:45 p.m. as officers continued clearing the building. Police said the process could take several hours and requested that the public continue to avoid the area.
DeKalb police stated there is no further danger to the public.
What we don’t know:
At this time, it is unclear what led to the shooting or if any of the detained individuals have been charged.
The Source: Information in this article came from the DeKalb County Police Department via an email.
Atlanta, GA
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