Can you go to jail for calling 911 for non-emergencies? Learn the new law in Mississippi
Calling 911 may seem like the best way to react in an emergency, but it could get you in big trouble if you misuse the service.
Mississippi law punishes one-time violators with hefty fines and short sentences for jail time, but repeat infractions could incur felony charges and send you to state prison for years.
A lot of what happens to individuals who misuse or abuse the 911 service has to do with the nature of the offense.
Prohibited Actions
According to Mississippi Code (§ 19-5-317) these offenses are considered “misuse.”
- Making non-emergency calls to 911
- Remaining silent on a 911 call
- Making abusive or harassing statements to 911 operators
- Falsely reporting an emergency or crime
- Allowing someone else to use your phone for these purposes
Penalties for these actions:
- First offense: Fine up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment for up to one year
- Subsequent offenses: Fine up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment for up to three years
Obstructing or Hindering Emergency Calls
According to Mississippi Code (§97-35-51), it is illegal to obstruct, prevent or hinder another person from seeking emergency medical assistance or contacting law enforcement.
Penalties include
A fine of up to $1,000
Imprisonment for up to six months, or both
Making False Reports
Mississippi Code (§ 97-35-47), states that a report is considered false when it is unsupported by any credible evidence and intentionally submitted, knowing it was false.
It is punishable by:
- Imprisonment in the county jail for up to one year
- A fine of up to $5,000
- Or both imprisonment and a fine
The offender may also be ordered to pay restitution to the law enforcement agency for reasonable costs related to investigating the false report and prosecuting the offender.
Harassment via Telephone
Making repeated harassing phone calls, which could include calling 911 repeatedly, is also punishable.
Penalties include:
Harassment of 911 Operators
Harassing a 911 responder can also be prosecuted under Mississippi Code. Any behavior that includes making abusive or harassing statements to an emergency telephone service employee when there is no emergency.
The penalties for such actions include:
A fine of up to $500
Imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both
Additionally, Mississippi Code § 97-29-45 prohibits making telecommunication or electronic communication with intent to harass any person which could also apply to 911 operators.
The penalties for this offense escalate with repeated violations:
- First offense: Fine up to $500 and/or imprisonment for up to six months
- Second offense within five years: Fine up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment for up to one year
- Third or subsequent offense within five years: Felony charge with fine up to $2,000 and/or imprisonment for up to two years in state prison
Swatting
Swatting is a relatively new phenomenon, made more common by the growing online culture. It involves falsely reporting emergencies like bomb threats or active shooter situations, which intend to draw police.
Mississippi does not have a specific law addressing “swatting,” but such actions are covered under the above statutes and penalties.
However, as of Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04) introduced the Preserving Safe Communities by Ending Swatting Act of 2025, which proposes stricter federal penalties for swatting, including up to 20 years in prison. This is a federal bill and has not yet become law.
The most recent data is from a 2018 Mississippi Emergency Medical Services Annual Report and it indicates EMS providers responded to 517,418 calls. This translates to about 1,110 calls per day, so abuse of the service could have a debilitating impact on city services.
Call 911 when you need it, but be mindful of false claims and the penalties they carry.
This story was originally published January 23, 2025 at 1:46 PM.
