Calling Thames Valley Police

Q. Members of the public are asked to phone 999 only in an emergency. What do you regard as an emergency?

A. An emergency is an incident that requires an IMMEDIATE police response, for example:

Where there is danger to life
Where there is a risk of serious injury
Where a crime is in progress or about to happen
Where an offender is still at the scene or has just left.

Remember when contacting the police -

If you are a witness to an incident then you may need to describe those involved, or explain in detail what actually happened. Pay attention to people's height, build, hair colour and length, and in particular their clothes. Write down what you saw or describe the people involved.

If the incident involves violence, you should not intervene unless you are confident you can do so safely – instead, call the police immediately.

If you see a crime or offence being committed report it - or ask someone else to report it while you continue to watch what happens. Don't just assume someone else will have already reported it.
If the incident does not need to be reported via the 999 system you should call 08458 505505.

Q. Should I still phone my local police station direct?

A. We would prefer people to call us on 08458 505505 for the following two main reasons:

People often used to call local police stations to report things that were really emergencies.

Emergencies are handled centrally by trained staff and it will only delay a response if you try to use a local police station for that purpose.

Our staff on the main switchboard are available 24 hours a day and are trained to recognise emergency calls and transfer them quickly to the Force Communications Centre where details can be taken and officers despatched to the scene.

Many police stations are not open 24 hours a day. If you rely on phoning a local police station, you could experience unnecessary delays in reporting matters to us because there may well be someone who can help you available elsewhere.

If you call the main number we will know the best person to deal with your call.

Q. What number should I ring if it is not an emergency?

A. Our main number is 08458 505505.

This number – which is a local rate call - will connect you to police headquarters where switchboard operators will ask the nature of your call so they can put you through to someone who can help you.

Remember- only use this number if you are reporting an incident in the Thames Valley Police area.

Q. How can I contact an officer or leave a message for him/her?

A. Call us on 08458 505505 and operators will do their best to help you.

If an alternative person is on duty who may be able to help, we may transfer your call to them.

If you have the officer's collar number and his or her full name please tell the switchboard staff. Although we have the latest technological switchboard system we also have over 6,000 members of staff in the organisation – who often move between stations at short notice. Therefore any information you can provide us with will make it easier to track down the person you want.

If the officer has access to voicemail or an answer phone we may put you through to this and you can leave a message. (Please note you should not use voicemail for reporting emergencies.)

Please be aware that most officers work shifts and may not be available to return your call for a number of days. Please allow time for them to respond to your message.