Staying Safe and Sane

111 – Silent Call

In New Zealand, the “Silent 55” service is a life-saving tool designed for situations where you need emergency help but it is too dangerous to speak or make a sound. It allows the Police to know that your call is a genuine emergency and not an accidental dial.

How to Use the Silent 55 Service

  1. Dial 111: Call the emergency number from any mobile or landline.
  2. Listen to the Operator: The operator will answer and ask which service you need (Police, Fire, or Ambulance). If you remain silent, they will ask you to cough or make a sound if you can.
  3. The Prompt: If there is still silence, an automated message will play. It will ask you to press 55 on your keypad if you require the Police and are in danger.
  4. Press 55: Once you press these digits, the operator will know you are in a high-risk situation where you cannot talk.

What Happens Next?

  • Location Tracking: The operator will immediately attempt to track your location using GPS from your mobile or the registered address of a landline.
  • Police Dispatch: Police will be dispatched to your location as a priority emergency.
  • Listen Only: The operator will stay on the line and listen to what is happening in the background. This can provide vital evidence of what is being said or done in the room, which can be used later in court or for your statement.

Important Considerations

  • It is not a “secret” app: You do not need to download anything; it is built into the national 111 system.
  • The operator cannot talk back: To keep you safe, the operator will generally not talk once they know it is a silent 55 call, so they don’t alert the abuser that the Police are listening.
  • Stay on the line: Even if you cannot speak, do not hang up. Keeping the line open allows the operator to hear the situation and continue to track your location.