111 is the number to call in emergencies
Call 111 and ask for Police when:
- Someone is badly injured or in danger.
- There's a serious risk to life or property.
- A crime is being committed and the offenders are still there or have just left.
- You've come across a major public inconvenience, like trees blocking a state highway.
- Any of these things are happening now or have just happened.
If you can't decide whether it's a real emergency and you're still worried, call 111 and ask us. We'll help you work out what to do.
For more information on calling 111, visit www.111.govt.nz
If it is not an emergency, phone your local police station.
Calling 111
Each year, the Communications Centres handle approximately 1.7 million calls. About 700,000 of these are 111 calls. Unfortunately, many of these calls are hoaxes or children playing with a phone.
What happens when I make a 111 call?
When you call 111 and ask for Police, a Telecom operator will first answer your call and then transfer you to one of the three Communications Centres.
Your call might be answered in another centre if the one closest to you is busy. Police Communicators are trained to a set standard and each centre has maps of the whole country so no matter where the call is answered, local Police will be on their way.
There are several steps to follow when making a 111 call.
Download our Emergency 111 Brochure for further information.
You can download kids activities to help them learn about when they should (and shouldn't) call 111.
Communications Centre DVD
Watch this DVD to find out what happens when you call 111 and ask for Police help [DVD coming soon].
