Q: does one get in trouble for making too many 911 calls over noise complaints that are unfounded?
My friend’s neighbor in the apartment under her calls the cops on her probably once a month for having her TV too loud. I have been in her apartment when it happened. Not only was it not loud at all, it was in the middle of the afternoon on a weekend. Apparently she is known to do this with all her neighbors.
A:
It is not unlawful to call 911 to report something like this but here is the statute on the unlawful use of 911 which might clarify what could make it unlawful suck as making a false report to 911.
SC Code § 23-47-80:
It is unlawful for a person anonymously or otherwise to:
(1) use any words or language of a profane, vulgar, lewd, lascivious, or indecent nature on an emergency 911 number with the intent to intimidate or harass a dispatcher;
(2) telephone the emergency 911 number, whether or not conversation ensues for the purpose of annoying or harassing the dispatcher or interfering with or disrupting emergency 911 service;
(3) make a telephone call to a 911 dispatcher and intentionally fail to hang up or disengage the connection for the purpose of interfering with or disrupting emergency service;
(4) telephone the emergency 911 number and intentionally make a false report.
A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned not more than six months or fined not more than two hundred dollars, or both.
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