[Jeff Higgins]

I used to have a very irresponsible neighbor who let his (very destructive) dog simply roam the neighborhood. After trying to deal with him for far too long, I finally called our city's police on their "administrative" number, just to speak with some one about the problem. I was told to dial 911 instead. I protested that this was not an emergency of any kind, but was told that did not matter. I was told that was my only way to get some one out to discuss, or to do anything about the problem. So I just shot the fuchin' dog...

I think what has happened in some jurisdictions is that the agencies we would like to contact (police, fire, etc.) in non-emergency situations have cut their own phone staffs, relying instead upon 911 service to act as their answering service. Doing so has diluted the original intent of 911 as an emergency service.