Today, November 19, 2024 at a press conference at Peel Regional Police Headquarters, City of Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown and Peel Regional Police Service Board Chair Nando Iannicca announced that 911 wait times have decreased by a remarkable 78 per cent in 2024. This builds on a 35 per cent reduction achieved in 2023, significantly improving emergency response times for residents.
“Reducing wait times for 911 services by 78% is a vital achievement that enhances public safety in our community. Through strategic investments in technology and resources, along with strong collaboration between the City of Brampton, Peel Regional Police, and local partners, we have made significant strides in ensuring that emergency services are responsive when residents need them most. We should be proud that with close to 78% reduction wait time help can be reached of what we’ve accomplished together and remain committed to advocating for continued improvements that strengthen the safety and well-being of every resident in Peel.”
– Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5, Chair, Community Services
The decrease in wait times is due to investments in new technology such as Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG 9-1-1), public education campaigns on 9-1-1 misuse, and the addition of dedicated 9-1-1 communicators. As a result, there has been a 92 per cent increase in calls answered within 15 seconds compared to last year.
In 2023, Peel Police received approximately 1,800 calls daily, with over 40 per cent classified as non-legitimate or misuse. During the last two months of 2023, more than 100,000 calls were logged, nearly half of which were accidental or non-emergency, creating strain on emergency resources. To address this, Peel Regional Police became the first large Public Safety Answering Point in Canada to implement NG 9-1-1 earlier this year. This system integrates the Automated Abandoned Call-Back feature, verifying over 75,000 hang-up calls as emergencies or pocket dials.
The City of Brampton and Peel Regional Police are committed to further reducing wait times by leveraging new technology, increasing resources, and educating the public on non-emergency resources. These efforts aim to ensure critical help is accessible when residents need it most.
Reminders for Residents
- For non-emergency calls, including general inquiries and non-urgent situations, contact Peel Regional Police’s non-emergency line at 905.453.3311.
- Direct calls for service, such as parking complaints or noise concerns, to Service Brampton. Use the Brampton 311 app, visit 311brampton.ca, or email 311@brampton.ca.
- Call 9-1-1 only for immediate threats to safety, life-endangering emergencies, or in-progress fires or crimes. Learn more about when to call 911 and access resources at this website.
Other Quotes
“The reduction in 911 wait times by nearly 80 per cent is a significant win for public safety in our community. This achievement reflects strategic technology and human resource investments and a strong collaboration with Peel Regional Police through public awareness campaigns. We are committed to ensuring 911 is a lifeline that responds promptly to those in true emergencies and educating residents on appropriate 911 use is critical to keeping our emergency services accessible. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together and will continue to be a strong advocate for residents. Thank you to Chair Iannicca and Chief Duraiappah for their shared dedication to public safety.”
– Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton
“The significant reduction in 911 wait times stands as a milestone achievement, showcasing the impact of bold advocacy and innovative problem-solving. This accomplishment goes beyond improving emergency response times—it strengthens public trust and confidence in our emergency services. The Peel Police Service Board remains steadfast in its commitment to collaboration and ensuring that the necessary resources are in place to keep our community safe and secure.”
– Nando Iannicca, Chair, Peel Police Service Board
“Peel Regional Police has worked tirelessly in implementing measures to address 911 wait times. We have made significant progress in reducing 9-1-1 wait times over the last year. This has enhanced our service delivery and ensured our residents are receiving the assistance they need during their time of crisis in Brampton and across Peel Region. Together with Mayor Brown, the City of Brampton, Peel Police Service Board and regional partners, we will continue to implement the resources required to meet our community safety needs.”
– Nishan Duraiappah, Chief, Peel Regional Police
Photo Gallery
