With tensions running high as the country enters its second week of coronavirus lockdown, Nottinghamshire Police is reminding households in Gedling borough about how to report an emergency to 999 when it’s not safe to speak
Superintendent Andrew Gowan, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “It is vital that our communities understand that we will always endeavour to protect them, even if they are unable to give us information safely.
“We understand that at this unprecedented time, tensions in households can run high and unfortunately, that can lead to incidents that require police to resolve matters.
“Whether it is because you are in immediate danger or because it feels too overwhelming to talk, there is always a way for us to help you.
“If you are in danger, please call 999 and we will come to your aid.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping added: “I want this message to get out there. It’s so important that those who may need to use this form of contact know about it. We are living through an extraordinary crisis situation and we must do whatever we can to help protect vulnerable people to get through it.
“It is a sad reality that in these times of uncertainty and enforced proximity people become victims of more than the deadly coronavirus. I want to assure them that the police are still there for you and this is another way to contact them if you don’t want to be overheard doing so. It’s another way to stay safe.”
How it works…
When you dial 999 from a mobile, you are put through to a call centre handled by BT operators who ask you which service you require. If you say nothing but something suspicious is heard by the operator, you are immediately transferred to the police.
If making a sound would put you or someone else in danger you will be transferred to the Silent Solution system.
An automated message will then begin that begins with ‘you are through to the police’ – you will then be asked to press 55 to be put through to police call management. This does not allow police to track your location.
A call handler will then ask you yes or no questions to establish the best course of action. If you cannot speak, you need to listen carefully to what they ask you to do.
Please note that this is different for landlines.
When using a landline, if there is no response from a caller, they will be connected to a police call handler immediately.
You should then dial 55 in order to follow the same procedure as above.
