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The Silent Solution
Silent Solution: How to contact the Police when you can’t speak
If you’re in danger and calling 999 could put you at greater risk, the Silent Solution system can help you get urgent police assistance without speaking.
What is the Silent Solution?
The Silent Solution is a UK-wide emergency system designed for situations where you need police help but cannot talk, such as during domestic abuse, stalking, or other life-threatening circumstances. It ensures genuine emergencies are identified while filtering out accidental or hoax calls.
How does it work?
Calling from mobile phones
- Dial 999 from your mobile phone.
- Listen to the operators instructions.
- If you can, make a sound (whisper, cough, tap the phone) to show it’s an emergency.
- If speaking is not safe, you’ll hear an automated message:
“You are through to the police. If you require assistance, press 55.” - Press 55 when prompted to confirm you need help.
This transfers your call to a police call handler who will listen for signs of danger and may ask simple yes/no questions.
Important:
- Pressing 55 does not share your location automatically.
- If you don’t press 55 or respond, the call will be terminated.
Calling from a landline
- Silent Solution is not used for landline calls because accidental calls are rare.
- If you stay silent but background noise is heard, the operator may connect you to the police.
- Even if you hang up, the line may stay open for up to 45 seconds.
- Landlines provide location data, which helps emergency services respond quickly.
Key tips
- Always try to speak if you can—even whispering helps.
- Know the process before you need it: For mobile phones, dial 999 → Press 55 when prompted.
- Stay on the line and follow any instructions from the call handler.
