Proper use of 999 hotline urged

Police today (February 11) appealed to members of the public to use the 999 hotline service for emergencies only.

In 2006, the number of 999 calls answered by the Police Regional Command and Control Centres was 2 464 665, of which only 914 862 or 37% were genuine calls. Of the total, 1 549 803 calls or 63% were nuisance or misdialled calls.

A Police spokesman said that misuse of the emergency hotline would unnecessarily engage operators of the control centres and delay the handling of genuine emergencies.

"It could also endanger the lives of people at risk by postponing their access to the service," he added.

The spokesman said that Police stations in various districts could also promptly handle most crime reports and requests of a non-emergency nature.

Police contact cards containing the telephone and fax numbers of all Police stations as well as Police hotlines are available for collection at various Public Enquiry Service Centres of Home Affairs Department.


Police Report No. 2

Issued by PPRB

Ends/Sunday, February 11, 2007