New iPhone Setting Causing Increase in Accidental 911 Calls

WINONA, Minn. (KWNO)- Police are asking the public to be aware of an iPhone setting they say is leading to an increase in accidental 911 calls.

The Emergency SOS feature is found in the iPhone’s settings menu. If activated, the feature will dial out to emergency dispatchers if the phone’s lock button is pressed five times in a row.

Police say there have been instances of people inadvertently dialing 911 when the phone has been in their pocket or purse. They say tracking down the accidental dialers tie up emergency resources.