Plan for safety

What is the Silent Solution system?

The Silent Solution system is an essential protocol utilised by the police to assist individuals who are in danger but unable to speak during a 999 emergency call. This system is crucial for filtering out accidental or hoax calls, while providing necessary assistance to those in dire situations who require police intervention.

How does it work?

When you dial 999, the call is received by an operator who will inquire which emergency service you require. If you find yourself unable to speak due to a medical issue or an immediate threat, the procedure varies depending on whether you are using a mobile phone or a landline.

From a mobile

After calling 999 and following the operator's instructions, if speaking is not possible, you can press 55 when prompted. This signals to the operator that your call is genuine, despite your inability to communicate verbally. Your call will then be transferred to the police, with the operator staying on the line to listen and provide further assistance.

From a landline

Calls from landlines are less likely to be accidental. If only background noises are heard and the operator cannot ascertain if there is an emergency, your call will be directly connected to the police.

What happens after you press 55?

It can affect anyone at any age and from any background. The person abusing you may be your current spouse or partner. Abuse can also continue after a relationship ends. The person abusing you may be another member of your family. There is no excuse for domestic abuse and it is not your fault if it happens to you.

Why it's important?

The Silent Solution system is vital for individuals in extreme situations where speaking out loud could increase the danger. It ensures that help can be summoned discreetly, providing an indispensable lifeline for those unable to verbalise their need for assistance.

Of the 20,000 silent 999 calls made a day, around 5,000 are transferred to the Silent Solution system, with the 55 instruction detected roughly only 50 times.