The responses to 911 calls in the territory are based on individual situations, priority and RCMP availability.

Sgt. Roger Lockwood noted how calls are responded to in an interview this morning.

In the legislature Monday, Mount Lorne NDP MLA Steve Cardiff questioned the government about a situation where a youth from a group home in Mary Lake was found in the bushes on a constituent's property. A call was placed to 911, but no officers ever went out to deal with the matter, Cardiff said.

Lockwood confirmed a call came into 911 at 5:57 p.m. Oct. 27 about it with the individual claiming a minor disagreement with group home staff about the house rules.

The group home was contacted and advised of the youth's location with staff confirming the teenager would be picked up, he said. The staff declined police assistance in coming out to the home.

At no time did the 911 operator suggest the youth walk back to the group home, Lockwood said.

He noted it's important that residents call 911 only in the case of an emergency.

Non-emergency calls to police can be made at 667-5555, he said, stressing the RCMP want to ensure the best service to the public.