Android smartphone update results in record volume of 999 calls
The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) believes an update to Android smartphones is having “a significant impact” on the record volume of 999 calls being experienced by forces.
A new SOS emergency function on the devices has resulted in a significant number of inadvertent “silent calls” being made to control rooms.
The NPCC says police forces across the UK are experiencing record high 999 call volumes and while the summer months typically see a rise in demand, “current levels are much higher than normal”.
A spokesperson said: “Nationally, all emergency services are currently experiencing record high 999 call volumes. This is for a number of reasons but one we believe is having a significant impact is an update to Android smartphones.
“The update (issued between October 2022 and February 2023) added a new SOS emergency function for devices to call 999 through the power button being pressed five times or more on devices.
“These ‘silent calls’ as they are named, are directed to police control rooms and the result has been a significant increase in silent calls.”
The NPCC is urging the public that if they do accidentally dial 999 not to hang up and if possible, stay on the line and let the operator know it was an accident and that assistance is not needed.
“Calls to 999 where the operator cannot hear anyone on the line (silent calls) are never just ignored. Call handlers will then need to spend valuable time trying to call you back to check whether you need help,” said the spokesperson.
They added that the ‘Emergency SOS’ function can be disabled in the phone’s settings.