Warning to anybody with Android telephone after replace sparks 999 name fears
People with Android smartphones have been issued with an vital warning after an replace sparked unintended “silent” 999 name fears.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) mentioned that the variety of calls to emergency providers throughout the UK has soared to a document excessive and that an replace on a lot of Android gadgets had been plaguing management rooms.
Silent calls, that are when the operator can’t hear anybody on the road, end in name handlers nonetheless spending “valuable time” attempting to ring again and test whether or not the caller is in want of real assist.
The Android replace has launched an SOS emergency perform for gadgets to name 999 by way of the ability button being pressed 5 occasions.
Police chiefs have mentioned they assume that is partly in charge for document numbers of emergency calls, a lot of which might have been made by accident.
The Met Police informed Express.co.uk that the pressure has seen a “huge increase” in deserted calls and “inappropriate use” of the service just lately, outlining that expertise, corresponding to vehicles and smartwatches, in addition to up to date Android gadgets, have additionally been an element.
People with Android telephones have now been urged to test their emergency settings and are inspired to show off the perform added within the replace.
For those that might have made a mistaken silent 999 name, police chiefs are asking that individuals keep on the road and let the operator understand it was an accident as an alternative of hanging up.
A spokesperson for the NPCC mentioned: “Nationally, all emergency services are currently experiencing record-high 999 call volumes. There are a few reasons for this but one we think is having a significant impact is an update to Android smartphones.
“The replace added a brand new SOS emergency perform for gadgets to name 999 by way of the ability button being pressed 5 occasions or extra. These ‘silent calls’ as they’re named, are directed to police management rooms and the outcome has been a big improve in silent calls.
“Calls to 999 where the operator cannot hear anyone on the line 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 by accident dial 999, please don’t grasp up. If doable, please keep on the road and let the operator understand it was an accident and that you simply don’t want any help.”
Android users were urged to navigate their settings, before going to the “Safety and Emergency” option and sliding the button which says “Emergency SOS” to switch the function off.
Earlier this month, the European Emergency Number Association (EENA) also warned that it had been alerted by members to a “surge in automated false calls” that had originated from Android devices.
They said: “In some instances, false calls might originate from a handset with out the handset proprietor realising or being conscious that their cell phone is making an emergency name.”
Chief Superintendent Dan Ivey, liable for Met Command and Control, mentioned: “We have seen a huge increase in abandoned calls and inappropriate use of the service. If we are going to get to the people in the queue who need us, we need to reduce the calls from those who don’t. We need the public to work with us.
“The introduction of tech is a factor, including cars and watches with tech that call 999. There are Android devices that automatically call 999 if you press a side button a number of times.
“You can really help us out by going to your device settings and sliding the SOS button to the off position. And if you do pocket-dial 999 and see a call incoming, please answer it because it is probably someone from a control room seeing if you are okay.”
Google has been approached for remark.