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Emergency 111, What you can do to help - New Zealand Police


Be prepared to answer questions

When you call 111, the Police Communicator will ask you questions in a structured way.

We need to quickly find out what's happening and where Police are needed so that if an emergency response is required, we can get the right staff with the right equipment on their way.

What you'll be asked

The Police Communicator will ask you three questions to start with:

  • Where are you (where are Police needed)?
  • How long ago did it happen?
  • What's happening?
  • They'll also confirm your name, address and contact details.

Then you may be asked more questions, such as:

  • Where is the person causing concern now?
  • Do they have weapons?
  • If that person has left, which way did they go and how did they leave?
  • Who are they? What do they look like and how are they dressed?
  • What's the number plate or description of their vehicle?
  • What else is happening?

At the same time as we're asking you for this information, if an emergency response is needed, we're getting police on the way.

Help us to find you

It's critical in an emergency to accurately describe how Police can find you.

We don't always know where you are, especially if you're calling from a mobile phone.

If you're at home, it will be easier to give the Police Communicator the right information if you've written it down beforehand.

Make sure you, your visitors or children can quickly provide:

  • Phone number;
  • Suburb;
  • Town / district;
  • Rapid Rural Number (available to rural residents from local authorities).

Use formal place names. If you're on the move, give street, road or bridge names or other geographical features as reference points.

Listen to some simulated 111 calls