Queensland Police wants Triple Zero calls to ring true

Minister for Police and Minister for Corrective Services Mark Ryan and Commissioner of Police Ian Stewart today launched a social media led campaign to urge the public to only call Triple Zero (000) in a true emergency.

Commissioner Stewart said the campaign ‘Ring True’ would ask Queenslanders and visitors to think about the alternative options to contact police in a non-emergency instead of dialling Triple Zero.

“In 2017, Queensland Police received a total of 612,250 Triple Zero calls. Of those calls, 89.4 per cent were not genuine emergencies,” Commissioner Stewart said.

“The influx of non-emergency calls ties up our police operators and we need to allow for genuine emergencies to ring true.”

“Noise complaints and break-ins where offenders are no longer present are common non-urgent Triple Zero calls. While these are of great concern to police, they are not a matter for Triple Zero.

“This campaign aims to raise awareness of the non-emergency contacts to use instead of calling Triple Zero.

“If a crime’s happening now, call Triple Zero. If not, think Policelink.

“There are a number of reporting options including the Policelink app, the online forms on the website www.police.qld.gov.au or call 131 444.

“We are also encouraging Queenslanders to know what information needs to be relayed during a Triple Zero call, should they ever find themselves making a call in a true emergency.

“When you call Triple Zero, a Telstra operator will ask if you need police, fire or ambulance. If you state ‘police’, you will then be transferred to one of our operators.

“As calls can be received from Communications Centres anywhere in the State, the most critical piece of information is the location where the assistance is required.

“Stay on the line, stay calm, speak clearly and answer the operator’s questions.

“Do not hang up until the operator says it’s OK to do so.

“Getting the correct information across clearly and concisely could make the difference between life and death.

“Two videos will be launched on QPS social channels today. We plan to share more throughout the year to raise further awareness of the campaign.

“We certainly do not want to deter people from calling Triple Zero in a genuine emergency. The ‘Ring True’ campaign aims to educate the community about our alternative reporting services.

“The message of the campaign is clear. Triple Zero is reserved for true emergencies only.

“Any misuse of the service is a criminal offence and can put people’s lives in danger.”