The purpose of this chapter is intended to reduce the number of false requests for emergency services or similar misuse of the 911 emergency response system, which occurs within the city and results in the waste of city resources, by providing a criminal penalty for violators, and imposing an administrative fee.
(Ord. 2136-26, 3/16/2026)
A. 
A person commits the crime of misuse of the 911 emergency response system if, within the city of Milton, the person knowingly:
1. 
Makes repeated calls, irrespective of the duration of time between the calls, to the South Sound 911 emergency call center or the South Sound 911 police nonemergency line for a purpose other than (a) to report a situation that the person reasonably believes requires prompt service in order to preserve human life or property, or (b) to report new information in an active investigation. "Repeated calls" means the repeated reporting of incidents that have already been reported, without providing new information regarding the incident; repeated requests to speak to specific officers when the caller's purpose is not germane to the reporting of new information about an incident; or the repeated harassment of specific officers using rude, lewd, or threatening language; or
2. 
Makes an emergency call or calls to the South Sound 911 emergency call center for a purpose other than to report a situation that the person reasonably believes requires prompt service in order to preserve human life or property; or
3. 
Allows another person to use communications equipment owned, rented, or leased by or under the control of the person to make an emergency call or calls to the South Sound 911 emergency call center for a purpose other than to report a situation that the other person reasonably believes requires prompt service in order to preserve human life or property.
B. 
For purposes of this chapter, "person" means and includes any natural person, partnership, joint stock company, or corporation of any character whatsoever.
C. 
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed or interpreted to impose criminal liability on any person who makes a good faith request for emergency assistance to the South Sound 911 emergency call center or the South Sound 911 police nonemergency line when such person reasonably believes that an emergency situation exists.
(Ord. 2136-26, 3/16/2026)
Unless otherwise provided in this chapter, any person violating any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, be sentenced to a fine not to exceed $1,000 and/or a term of up to 90 days in jail.
(Ord. 2136-26, 3/16/2026)
In addition to or as an alternative to any criminal penalty, the city may impose a civil penalty of up to $500 per incident at the request of the South Sound Communications 911 Center or Milton police department upon any misuse of the 911 emergency response system.
(Ord. 2136-26, 3/16/2026)