How to contact the Police
Dial 999 only when:
Dialling 999 from a mobile phone
Callers who use mobile phones to dial 999 should be aware that due to the different base stations used by phone companies, the call may be answered by a police operator in another part of the country. If you have to make an emergency call from a mobile phone, please tell the operator immediately where you are phoning from so that your call is dealt with by the appropriate police force.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU RING 999 BUT ARE AFRAID TO SPEAK
In some circumstances a person may be able to ring 999, but may not be able to speak to the operator without putting themselves into more danger.
There is now a way of communicating without speaking to get help, but it’s important that this is done correctly.
Once connected to the 999 service the operator will ask which emergency service is required. At this point, if the caller is afraid to speak, they should just remain silent. The operator will then give a number of options such as coughing, tapping the handset, or pressing 55 on the telephone keypad. This alerts the operator that you are in danger and the call will be traced and the police sent to the address.
- there is a danger to life or risk of injury being caused, such as a serious road accident or assault
- a crime is in progress, such as a robbery, burglary or theft, and the offender is still on the scene or has only just left the area
- the immediate attendance of a police officer is necessary - such as where someone is acting suspiciously and obviously about to commit a crime.
Dialling 999 from a mobile phone
Callers who use mobile phones to dial 999 should be aware that due to the different base stations used by phone companies, the call may be answered by a police operator in another part of the country. If you have to make an emergency call from a mobile phone, please tell the operator immediately where you are phoning from so that your call is dealt with by the appropriate police force.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU RING 999 BUT ARE AFRAID TO SPEAK
In some circumstances a person may be able to ring 999, but may not be able to speak to the operator without putting themselves into more danger.
There is now a way of communicating without speaking to get help, but it’s important that this is done correctly.
Once connected to the 999 service the operator will ask which emergency service is required. At this point, if the caller is afraid to speak, they should just remain silent. The operator will then give a number of options such as coughing, tapping the handset, or pressing 55 on the telephone keypad. This alerts the operator that you are in danger and the call will be traced and the police sent to the address.
New police number for anyone deaf, or with hearing difficulties
If you want to contact the police when it’s less urgent than 999, you can now call 101
Part of a national programme to make it easier for you to contact your local police, 101 should be used for non-emergencies such as:
Report a crime or incident online
Click here!
Key Facts
International callers, those in the UK residing outside of England and Wales and those residing in local force areas currently awaiting access to 101 should call (+44) 01275 818340 to contact Avon and Somerset police.
Part of a national programme to make it easier for you to contact your local police, 101 should be used for non-emergencies such as:
- reporting a crime
- contacting local officers
- getting crime prevention advice
- making your local police service aware of policing issues in your local area
- making an appointment with a police officer
- for any other non-emergency
Report a crime or incident online
Click here!
Key Facts
- 101 does not replace 999, which will continue to be used for emergencies.
- It replaces the existing 0845 number, although there will be a period when both numbers will be available.
- If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired, you can textphone on 18001 101
- Calls to 101 from landlines and mobiles cost 15 pence per call, no matter what time of day you call or how long your call lasts.
International callers, those in the UK residing outside of England and Wales and those residing in local force areas currently awaiting access to 101 should call (+44) 01275 818340 to contact Avon and Somerset police.
For further information, go to the Avon & Somerset Constabulary website: www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/contact-us, or click anywhere below
