A woman from Nova Scotia expressed regret for alerting the RCMP about a reckless driver, leading to an unexpected visit by an officer to her home. Robin MacDougall was traveling to Port Hawkesbury from Antigonish when she noticed a vehicle swerving on Highway 104. She called 911, and after informing the dispatcher that the erratic driver was heading towards Cape Breton, she assumed the issue was resolved. However, she later received a call from an RCMP officer informing her that they had been in her house.
MacDougall and her partner, who was at work, had left their back door unlocked, allowing the officer to enter. Confused and concerned about her cats escaping, MacDougall called a friend for assistance. The friend arrived to find the officer inside the house, who appeared flustered and apologetic.
While MacDougall felt her privacy was violated, the RCMP detachment in Antigonish defended their actions. Staff Sgt. Kimberly Hillier explained that a subsequent call from MacDougall was disconnected, prompting an officer to check on her welfare. Hillier clarified that the officers were focused on ensuring someone’s safety rather than investigating an impaired driver at MacDougall’s residence.
Disagreement arose between MacDougall and Hillier regarding the dropped call, with MacDougall attributing the issue to poor cell coverage. Despite her cellular provider confirming no third call made to the RCMP, Hillier cited the duty of police to respond to potentially emergent situations following a disconnected 911 call.
The incident has left MacDougall contemplating future actions in similar situations, raising concerns about privacy and the handling of emergency calls.