FARMINGTON – People accidentally calling 911 – and hanging up when they realize their mistake – are creating some major issues for the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department.

What often happens with 911 misdials is callers quickly hang up, dial the correct number and tie up the line so dispatchers can’t verify that the call was simply a wrong number and not someone needing assistance.

By state statute, once 911 is activated law enforcement is obligated to go to the location and check on the situation, if they cannot make contact with the caller, Sheriff Dennis Pike said.

“It’s perfectly all right if a person makes a mistake,” Pike said, “but please stay on the line” and speak to a dispatcher.

“We’re using a large amount of resources” on responding to calls dialed in error, he said.