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Every day, hundreds of people in Saskatchewan call the RCMP, whether it’s for a fender bender or a life-threatening emergency.
For employees on the other side of the phone, it’s a very serious and demanding job.
Calls to the Saskatchewan RCMP Operational Communications Centre (OCC) are increasing.
The OCC received 366,737 calls for service in 2024, which is four per cent higher than in 2023.
More than 4,400 of those calls were considered life-threatening or urgent emergencies.
In the first five months of 2025, the OCC has already responded to 169,598 calls.
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“On average, a call-taker would take approximately 150 calls during their shift, and they never know what’s on the other end of the line,” said Jocelyn James, manager of the Saskatchewan RCMP OCC.
“No matter the call, we gather information and send the right kind of help for the situation—often while managing several other incidents happening across the province at the same time. It’s intense work – but it’s also very personally fulfilling knowing you are helping others in what could be their worst moment.”
On average, Sask. RCMP OCC employees answer approximately 3.5 calls every five minutes.
Big emergencies or small acts
During the mass casualty homicides on Jame Smith Cree Nation and Weldon in September 2022, dispatchers played a key role.
They assisted with monitoring the radio, scribing and monitoring incoming files for new info.
“One dispatcher recalls the moment the suspect was spotted and the pursuit to bring them into custody began,” the RCMP statement read.
“The dispatcher described it as a highly stressful moment but remained calm and focused on the situation and the necessary tasks.”
The dispatcher described it as the most rewarding day of work.
Help can also come through smaller acts, too.
Another caller received a call from an elderly person who fell out of their wheelchair.
The caller said they were alone, scared and needed help.
“Looking back on the experience, the call-taker said that moment stayed with them and how they felt gratitude for being the one to answer the call in someone’s moment of need,” RCMP said.
“Call-takers and dispatchers offer safety, connection, and compassion — sometimes when it matters most.”
The OCC takes calls that come through the RCMP non-emergency line, but also 911 calls.
