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There's A Way To Get Help If You Need The Police But Can't Talk

There's A Way To Get Help If You Need The Police But Can't Talk

Everyone should get the support they need.

Mel Ramsay

Mel Ramsay

Hopefully, none of you reading this will ever need this information. However, it's one of those things - better to be safe than sorry, right?

If you're ever in a situation where you need assistance from the police but you can't speak out (this could be for a variety of reasons), there is something that you can do.

Police have issued a reminder to the public regarding a procedure called 'Silent Solutions'. If you've ever called 999, you'll know that they ask which service you need (police, fire or ambulance).

If you don't respond, you'll be asked to cough or make another noise to alert the operator to the fact that you need the police and you haven't pocket dialled etc.

If you can't make any noise at all, it goes through to an automated system. If this happens, you'll be required to press 55 if you need the police.

via GIPHY

A police spokesman said: "Please do not think that just because you dial 999 that police will attend.

"We totally understand that sometimes people are unable or too afraid to talk, however, it must be clear that we will not routinely attend a silent 999 call.

"There must be some indication that the call has not been mis-dialled."

If you don't make any sound and you don't press 55 then the police won't attend.

Sadly, the system doesn't always work. Last November, Kerry Power, 36, was killed by her partner David Wilder after he entered her home.

Police had previously said that if she needed them, she should make an emergency silent phone call. However, it wasn't explained that she would have to cough or press '55'.

She was murdered while her 10-year-old son slept upstairs.

So please remember, cough or press 55 if you need help. It could save your life.

Featured Image Credit: PA Images

Topics: Police