⚠️ NOT FOR EMERGENCIES. This service is for administrative inquiries only. If in danger, dial 999 immediately.
Merseyside Police
Merseyside Police provides critical emergency services via the 999 number, available 24/7. This line is specifically for reporting serious offenses in progress, situations posing immediate danger to life or property, or major public disruptions. Callers can also make silent emergency calls if speaking is unsafe, by following the silent call procedure. Additionally, pre-registered users can send emergency SMS messages to 999. It's crucial to use this number only for genuine emergencies, as misuse can delay response times. For non-emergencies, the 101 number should be used. Typical wait times are minimal, but it's best to call during off-peak hours if possible.
Updated 15 Dec 2025
Expected outcomes
- Report a crime in progress
- Request immediate police response
- Make a silent emergency call
- Send emergency SMS
- Indicate emergency via silent call
Call preparation
Assemble everything before you dial. These requirements are verified by our call analysts and updated as organizations change their scripts.
- Location details
- Nature of emergency
- Pre-registration for SMS
- Mobile phone
- Ability to press 55
- EmergencySMS registration
Known issues
Accidental calls to 999 are a frequent issue, often caused by misunderstandings or misuse. These calls can delay responses to genuine emergencies. Public awareness campaigns and improved call triage procedures are in place to mitigate this problem. It's essential to ensure that 999 is used solely for emergencies, while non-urgent matters should be directed to 101. If you accidentally call 999, stay on the line to inform the operator of the mistake, preventing unnecessary dispatch of emergency services.
