BT are reporting a significant increase in accidental calls to the 999/112 service following a recent Android update that triggers an SOS when a button on the side of your phone is pressed 5 times.
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.
If you do accidentally dial 999, don’t hang up. If possible, stay on the line and let the operator know it was an accident and that you don’t need any assistance.
You can check your emergency dial settings on most Android phones by going to ‘Settings’ and looking for SOS settings in the options.
A spokesperson from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary have said:
“As always, if a crime is in progress or if there is an immediate risk to person or property, dial 999.
“If a crime is not in progress, then please consider reporting the incident online via www.hampshire.police.uk in the first instance.”
And if you can’t use a computer for some reason then you are not important so your problems are irrelevant……
True, if you’re not in the demographic of big business you can go whistle.
Forgive me but, what does that have to do with this issue regarding mobile phones?
It’s a nice, but flawed, idea.
The idea is that if you are in trouble you can push the power button 5 time and the phone will call 999 for you. Great if you are being accosted on the street.
Trouble is it is too easy for the power button to be accidentally pressed with the phone on a pocket or bag.
The actual setting is called Safety and Emergency.
The problem is the same button on my phone is the power on/off button and also the fingerprint reader to unlock the phone. It doesn’t always respond first time so consequently you keep pushing it. This has happened to me more than once.