POLICE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Why do Communicators ask lots of questions?
- Why do Police ask callers to stay on the phone?
- What is *555 used for?
- How long does it take Police to answer 111 calls?
- How do I get a job in a Police Communications Centre?
Why do Communicators ask lots of questions?
They need to obtain information about what's happening and where so fast decisions can be made about which police units should attend, the equipment they should take and how they should approach the situation. In serious incidents, this is important for everyone's safety.
In emergencies, while the Communicator is asking you questions the Dispatcher is already getting Police on the way.
Be prepared to answer all the questions put to you, even though you might find it frustrating. It saves time in the long run.
Stay as calm as you can and stay on the line.
Why do Police ask callers to stay on the phone?
Depending on the nature of the emergency, the Communicator may ask you to stay on the phone with them.
Please be prepared to help them as you are often their ears and eyes.
The information you provide from the scene can help police catch offenders more quickly. It can also help keep you, other members of the public and police staff safe.
What is *555 used for?
*555 is the number to call on cellphones to report poor driver behaviour, non-urgent traffic incidents and road hazards.
The Police Communications Centres answer about 310,000 *555 calls every year.
If something dangerous is happening on the road, call 111.
How long does it take Police to answer 111 calls?
The world standard is that 90% of emergency calls should be answered within 10 seconds and this is routinely achieved in New Zealand.
Nearly all 111 calls are answered within 60 seconds.
If it's an emergency, stay on the line. Your call will be answered as quickly as possible.
How do I get a job in a Police Communications Centre?
Click here to find out how to become a Police Communicator.
