One California city is getting fed up with so-called “Karens” who make racist 911 calls. The city is considering an ordinance that would make discriminatory 911 calls illegal.
San Francisco supervisor Shamann Walton introduced the legislation Tuesday. It’s called the Caution Against Racially Exploitative Non-Emergencies Act, or CAREN for short.
Calling 911 for a Non-Emergency
A call to 911 is made for a number of reasons. The most common are to report a fire or medical emergency, request an ambulance or to contact law enforcement.
When you call 911, you are connected to a professional 911 operator who is trained to ask you questions about the nature of your emergency and to help you get the right response. It is important to answer these questions carefully so that emergency responders know exactly what you need.
You should also be prepared to give the call taker your address or location, as well as any information about the incident that will make it easier for responders to find you quickly. This is especially true if you are calling from a public place, as 911 operators need to confirm that your location is correct before dispatching first responders.
For example, when you call about an injury to a child, you will be asked questions such as their age and what type of condition they are in. It is also helpful to provide the location of the injury, as this can save time and make it easier for emergency responders to locate the child.
In addition to these general questions, you will be asked more specific ones for each type of emergency. These questions will ensure that you are receiving the proper emergency service and that you have been informed of any special conditions or hazards on the scene that may be life threatening.
While you might feel anxious or nervous at first, stay calm and talk slowly and clearly. Often, 911 operators are experienced at answering these calls and can easily recognize your distress and need for emergency assistance.
If you are talking to a call taker who speaks English, be sure to speak your language so that the call taker can connect you to the appropriate interpreter. Many police departments and other government agencies have translation lines available for 9-1-1 or non-emergency calls.
Abusing the 911 system can result in criminal penalties, including jail time and fines. In fact, many cities and states have passed legislation to punish 911 abusers.
Making a False Report to the Police
The Next Karen Who Makes a Racist 911 Call Might Get Arrested
If you are involved in a criminal investigation and you make a false police report, you may be guilty of a serious crime. This is because it can waste police resources, and make it more difficult for them to pursue your case.
This can have a long-lasting effect on your life, especially if you are accused of a crime and are convicted. Therefore, it is advisable to seek legal representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as you are charged with this crime.
Filing a false report can be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor depending on the state you live in. These charges can result in a high fine and/or incarceration, so it is important to have a thorough understanding of your criminal defense options before making any decisions about your future.
Defending yourself against a charge of filing a false police report can be challenging, but an experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you develop a strong defense. One of the most common defenses that can be used in a case like this is that you filed the report believing it to be true.
Another defense that can be used in a case of a false police report is that the information was mistakenly entered into a police officer’s official report. For example, an officer is taking statements from a blind witness, but puts the witness’s statement into his official report even though he has doubts about it.
These kinds of defenses can be extremely effective and can lead to a successful outcome in your case. If you have been arrested for this offense, it is essential to consult with a criminal defense lawyer in Massachusetts as soon as possible.
For a free consultation about your case, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney today. We are committed to providing you with the best representation possible. Our attorneys will review your case and provide you with the legal advice that you need to protect your rights and your future.
Making a False Report to a Government Agency
A new bill in California would make it a crime to call 911 for discriminatory reasons, which could include calling to report a Black person selling water bottles or barbecuing. It was introduced after a number of incidents in which white people wrongfully called the police on people of color for non-criminal activities.
The law enacted this week in California makes it a hate crime to call 911 for racial discrimination or harassment, which could be punishable by jail time and fines. Governor Gavin Newsom will review the legislation and decide whether to sign it.
When a 911 caller is racially motivated, it can lead to a traumatic situation for the target of the call. These calls can be a waste of resources and can put the lives of people of color in danger.
But some of these calls may also be just miscommunication between a caller and the dispatcher. Dispatchers have a finite amount of time to answer questions, so it’s important that they don’t unthinkingly send officers on questionable calls with minimal information.
This is what happened in Philadelphia last April when two African-American men did not order anything at a Starbucks and were sat waiting for a friend to arrive. Or in May when a white Yale graduate student called the police on a Black student napping in her dorm’s common room.
It’s an issue that can be difficult to solve, as a false report to the police can lead to serious consequences for the target of the call. That’s why it is important to have an experienced attorney who can fight against these false reports.
Even if you do not believe that you have been a victim of falsely reporting an incident, it is still a good idea to get legal advice so that you know what your rights are and what steps you should take next. Often, making a false statement can result in a charge of Reckless Endangerment which is a felony.
In a few cases, it can even lead to death or injury. In 1990, 15-year-old Phillip Pannell was shot in the back by police after a 911 call about a disturbance at a school. In 2016, Terence Crutcher Sr. was killed after passersby called police to report Crutcher standing in the street with a broken-down car. Those are some of the most horrifying, but common, instances of false 911 calls.
Making a False Report to a Law Enforcement Agency
When you call 911 for a non-emergency situation, your words are carefully scrutinized and you should always be prepared to explain yourself when police ask. However, if you make a racist 911 call – or any other type of false report to a law enforcement agency – it might get you arrested.
You might be charged with a misdemeanor under Massachusetts state law for making a false report to a police officer. This is a charge that carries fines and jail time. In some cases, if you’ve been charged with this crime, it’s in your best interests to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney to build a strong defense against the charges.
Under the law, a person is guilty of VC 31 when they willfully and knowingly give false information or lie to a police officer. This is mainly a misdemeanor, but it can lead to more serious penalties depending on the details of the incident.
If you are convicted of this misdemeanor, the court will consider several factors, including your past criminal history and your motivation for making the report. This can help determine whether you should be convicted or not, as well as how much time you will spend in jail and what your criminal record might look like after the case is over.
Additionally, if you are charged with this misdemeanor, you may have to face civil penalties. These can include a lawsuit for defamation and/or intentional infliction of emotional distress, which can lead to substantial financial damages.
There are many possible legal defenses to this charge. You should speak with a knowledgeable San Diego criminal defense lawyer to learn more about your rights and options if you are facing these charges.
You can also file a civil lawsuit against someone who filed a false report against you. This can lead to substantial damages, such as reimbursement for your attorney fees and/or compensation for lost wages, emotional distress and other damages.
It is important to understand that filing a false report can affect your life and future. Contact an attorney as soon as you know that you are being accused of this crime.
