What Happens When You Call 999

When you dial 999 and ask for the police, your call is routed to a call handler in the force control room covering the area from which you are calling. The call handler will ask you a series of questions to establish: the nature of the incident, the location, whether anyone is in immediate danger, whether anyone is injured, and whether the suspect is still present. The call handler will also ask for your name and contact details.

The information gathered is used to grade the call according to the force's response model. Most forces use a system based on: Immediate (Grade 1), where a response is required within 15 minutes because there is an immediate threat to life, a crime is in progress, or a suspect is at the scene; Priority (Grade 2), where a prompt response is required but the immediate threat has passed; Scheduled (Grade 3), where attendance can be arranged by appointment; and Resolution Without Deployment (Grade 4), where the matter can be dealt with by telephone or referral.

Once graded, the call is passed to a dispatcher who allocates the nearest available unit. For immediate calls, the dispatcher will direct units using radio and the force's computer-aided dispatch system. Officers deployed to the incident will receive the details on their mobile data terminal and via radio. If the incident involves a potential firearms threat, the dispatcher will assess whether Armed Response Vehicles (ARVs) should be deployed and will follow the force's armed policing protocols.

On arrival, officers will assess the scene, secure any evidence, and deal with any immediate threats. If a crime has been committed, officers will gather initial accounts, arrange for forensic examination if needed, and create a crime report. The outcome of the call is logged on the force's command and control system, and the caller may receive a follow-up contact to update them on what action has been taken. If no officers are available for a non-emergency matter, you may be directed to report the incident online or to call 101, the non-emergency number.