Emergency call abuse in MV: Police under pressure-Schwaner case causes excitement

Emergency call abuse in MV: Police under pressure-Schwaner case causes excitement

In the night of April 1, 2025, an excited caller reported a threat in a pension in Schwaan via emergency call 110. The police hurried to the site with flashing lights and Martinshorn. Surprisingly, however, the local officials found no evidence of a threat. The caller, a 44-year-old from Güstrow, was found and presented himself to the police as unsuspecting. Later he admitted that there was no threat. As a result, the case was classified as an emergency misuse, which of course is a serious matter.

like the Uckermark Kurier is more than just a moment of terror for the police. In 2024, a total of 122,165 emergency calls were accepted in the Rostock police headquarters, which corresponds to about 330 calls per day. Among them were more than 220 fake emergency calls that distract security forces from real emergencies. This number illustrates that emergency misuse is not only annoying, but also has serious consequences for the entire population.

The consequences of emergency misuse

The police have responsibility to provide quick and effective help in real emergencies. However, if someone like the Güstrower misuses an emergency call, not only costs, but human life can also be at risk. This is not a cavalier offense. Section 145 of the Criminal Code clarifies that the abuse of emergency calls is punishable. The legislator provides for a prison sentence of up to one year or fines for such offenses.

for the Güstrower it could get serious. It is currently being checked whether he has to pay for the costs of the police operation. An investigation was also initiated, which is processed by the criminal police. The incident is not an isolated case. Another emergency call that reported a brawl between eight people in Güstrow also turned out to be wrong. Here the caller did not react to recalls, which made the investigation more difficult.

But what do we know about the misuse of emergency calls? A quick look at the statistics shows that such incidents have been increasingly registered in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania in recent years. In 2022, the numbers were 394 cases, which in 2021 in 371 cases. While there is an increase in the Rostock police headquarters, a slight decline was found in the Presidium of Neubrandenburg. Nevertheless, the problem remains and requires constant awareness of society.

A call to reason

We have to be aware that there are real people with real worries behind every emergency call. Abuse can seriously endanger the life of an uninvolved, as the example of the Güstrower impressively shows. Such acts, often also referred to as "swatting", move on a dangerous terrain where fun and serious support are widely apart.

We would like to appeal to all readers: Inside: think well before you pick up the phone and set an emergency call. Real emergencies should always come first, because in an emergency every second counts!