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In Japan, the police emergency number is 110. In New Zealand, it’s 111. Needless to say, in both countries, that number should not be dialed unless the caller is in real trouble. Last month, however, New Zealand Police posted a story on social media about a boy who dialed 111. They said it was “too cute not to share.”
One day in late October, an emergency dispatcher picked up an incoming call from the South Island city of Invercargill. She asked the nature of the emergency and the person at the other end of the line hesitated before starting a conversation with her in an adorable voice: “Hi … police lady…?” “Can I tell you something?” “I’ve got some toys for you.” “Come over and see them!”
At this point the boy’s father intervened, explaining that this was not an emergency call, and that the boy had called by mistake while he had been busy with his other child. The boy’s mother was sick and he was helping his father out. Nevertheless, the dispatcher decided to alert patrol cars in the area. An officer identified as Constable Kurt from the Southern District Police responded. He went to the boy’s house and was shown an array of toys that he confirmed “were indeed very cool.” Constable Kurt then treated the boy to a tour of his patrol car and they took a photo together, with the boy sitting on the hood. He also had a friendly chat with the boy and his father about using 111 only for emergency situations.
Small children interact with the world differently from adults. Often, grown-ups can’t be bothered to take time for the little ones among them. But an emergency dispatcher and a police constable in New Zealand took the boy seriously and attended to his request with kindness and professionalism. The encounter is probably something the little boy will remember for a very long time. (The Japan Times)
This article was provided by The Japan Times Alpha.