Policing

In an emergency call 999 if:

a serious offence is in progress or has just been committed
someone is in immediate danger or harm
property is in danger of being damaged
a serious disruption to the public is likely

Hearing or speech impairments

If you have a hearing or speech impairment, use their textphone service 18000 or text the police on 999 if you’ve pre-registered with the emergencySMS service.

Silent 999 calls

If you’re in danger but you can’t talk on the phone, you should still call 999.

If you’re in danger, call 999 and try to speak to the operator if you can, even by whispering. You may be asked to cough or tap your keys on your phone to answer questions.

Call 999 from a mobile

If you don’t speak or answer questions, press 55 when prompted and your call will be transferred to the police.

Pressing 55 only works on mobiles and doesn’t allow the police to track your location.

If you don’t press 55 your call will be ended.

Call 999 from a landline

If you don’t speak or answer questions and the operator can only hear background noise, they’ll transfer your call to the police.

If you replace the handset, the landline may remain connected for 45 seconds in case you pick it up again.

Calling 999 from a landline automatically gives the police information about your location.

Call 101 for non-emergency enquiries.

If you have a hearing or speech impairment, use the police textphone service on 18001 101.

61016 Text Service

You can text the British Transport Police on 61016 to report non-emergency incidents, similar to the ones you would report to the 101 phone number provided by your local police force.

The text number is monitored 24/7 and, while it is not for reporting emergencies, the British Transport Police will be able to send officers if required. More details here.