Contacting us when English is not your first language

Dialling 999 at any time is a daunting prospect. We want to help everyone who calls our emergency 999 line to get help quickly. It’s important no time is lost due to language barriers. That's why we have a system to connect you to a translator in your chosen language if English is not your first language.

If you need to call us in an emergency, you should:

1. Call 999.
2. When the operator answers they will ask you what service you need. Say Police, Ambulance or Fire. You will be transferred to the service you need.
3. When the call connects say “Help” and the language you speak. For example "Help, Polish". 
4. We will then quickly call an interpreter to help. The line may go quiet for a short time. Please don't hang up.
5. You will then be connected to a translator in your chosen language. You can now report your emergency.

We have created some easy-to-read posters in several languages which are available via this link: Contacting us if English is not your first language | Lincolnshire Police (lincs.police.uk)