What should I do if I accidentally call the police?

What to Do If You Accidentally Call 999

It happens more often than you might think — a pocket dial, a curious toddler, or a mispressed speed dial sends you straight to emergency services. If you accidentally call 999, the most important thing is not to hang up. It might feel awkward, even embarrassing, but staying on the line is the best thing you can do.

When emergency operators answer and hear silence or confusion, they have no choice but to treat the call as potentially serious. That means they may dispatch police officers to your location — just to make sure everyone is safe. Officers responding to a “silent” call take time away from real emergencies, so letting the call handler know it was a mistake actually helps everyone.

Simply explain, calmly and clearly, that the call was accidental. The operator won’t scold you or get angry — they’re trained to stay calm and professional. In fact, they’ll probably appreciate your honesty. Most accidental calls come from children, smartphones in bags or pockets, or older adults unfamiliar with touch-screen devices. No one will be in trouble. The goal is public safety, not punishment.

Teaching kids what 999 is for — and that it’s not a toy — can help prevent future mix-ups. But if an accidental call happens, remember: don’t panic, don’t hang up. A few seconds of honesty can save time, resources, and peace of mind.