PECC Says Prank Calls Make Up 65% Of Jamaica’s 119 Emergency Traffic

Jamaica’s Police Emergency Communication Centre says prank calls now account for 65% of all contacts made to the 119 emergency number, a situation that has pushed the unit to build restraint and understanding into officer training.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Gary Francis, who heads the PECC, shared the figures on yesterday’s Force4Good Podcast during a discussion on the development and role of the centre, which serves as the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s main point for emergency communications.

Francis said roughly 20% of calls coming through the system each day are tied to genuine emergencies. He said the numbers show why dispatch staff need continuous preparation, as they are expected to stay calm and professional while handling large volumes of nuisance calls. He also appealed to Jamaicans to treat the 119 line with greater care.