Police Forces Nationally Encourage Android Users to Check Emergency Settings

If you have an Android phone, you can check your emergency settings to turn off the functionality added in the latest update.

 

Go to ‘Settings’ then ‘Safety and Emergency’ and slide the button which says ‘Emergency SOS’ to switch the functionality off.

 

Calls to 999 where the operator cannot hear anyone on the line (silent calls) are never just ignored. Call handlers will then need to spend valuable time trying to call you back to check whether you need help. It may even result in a police officer being dispatched.

 

Chief Inspector Jon Aspinall commented “There has been a real increase in the number of “silent calls” we are experiencing. I would encourage everyone with an Android phone to check their settings to allow police officers and staff to prioritise genuine emergency calls. I would encourage you to share this information with friends and family”.

 

If you do accidentally dial 999, please don’t hang up. If possible, please stay on the line and let the operator know it was an accident and that you don’t need any assistance.

 

As always, if a crime is in progress or if there is an immediate risk to person or property, always dial 999.

 

If a crime is not in progress, then please consider reporting the incident online via your local force’s website in the first instance. Alternatively, you can call 101.