When to call 999

When should you call it?
Dialling 999 is a must if you are facing an incident or crime right now and you need police help immediately.

When to call 999:

·         When there is a danger to life or people are injured.

·         When someone is using or threatening violence.

·         When there is a crime in progress.

·         When serious damage is or could be caused to a property.

·         If there is a road traffic collision when someone is hurt or there is a danger to other road users.

·         When an immediate police response is necessary.

 

In all other circumstances, including to report a crime that has happened, you should dial our non-emergency number 101 or report the crime online

 

What happens when you dial 999:

·         You will speak to an operator who will ask you to confirm whether you need police, fire or ambulance.

·         If you ask for police, your call will be connected to a call taker in our Control Room at police headquarters at Martlesham Heath.

·         The call taker will need to take your name and address and details of what has happened. This will take time but it is important to get all the information from you in order to determine the type and level of police response required.

·         Details of your call will then be passed to a radio operator who is in contact with police officers and specialist staff who are on duty in the relevant location.

 

How will we respond?

All police calls are graded according to urgency. The most urgent calls will receive an immediate response.

If your call is an emergency, police officers will be sent to help you straight away and usually action is being taken even when you are still on the phone to us.