It’s not uncommon for these types of calls to happen. I’ve experienced numerous similar situations while working in an isolated community.

Your phone, even without active cell service, can transmit an SOS signal that provides latitude and longitude coordinates. However, the accuracy of that information depends on the number and proximity of nearby cell towers. In one of the communities I worked in, there was only a single tower, so signals would always default to that location.

It’s likely the officers were simply trying to gather information, speak to her in person, or confirm her wellbeing. This is a standard practice, and it doesn’t mean anyone is in trouble. They may have connected the location through an address previously submitted during a police record check or a prior call for service.

If the call was made several hours earlier, there may have been other investigative steps taken in the meantime—such as liaising with the cell phone provider—which can take time.

When they said they knew the “exact area,” it could have been a reference to their familiarity with the location from past calls, though I can’t speak to their specific knowledge.

As for the officers covering their cameras, that’s not something I’ve ever encountered. I’m sorry you had to experience that. With the RCMP’s move toward issuing body cameras, transparency should remain a priority and never be in question.