Knowing how to contact the police in an emergency is crucial, especially when you’re in a foreign country. This guide provides essential information on how to call the police in Poland, whether you’re a resident or a visitor.
Emergency Numbers:
- 112: This is the general emergency number for all of the European Union, including Poland. By dialing 112, you can reach the police, ambulance, and fire department. The operators usually speak Polish and English.
- 997: This is the direct number for the police in Poland.
When to Call the Police:
Call the police in Poland if you encounter any situation that requires immediate attention, such as:
- Crimes in progress: Theft, robbery, assault, or any other criminal activity happening at the moment.
- Threat to safety: If you or someone else is in danger.
- Disturbances: Loud noise, public intoxication, or other situations disrupting the peace.
- Accidents: Car accidents, fires, or other incidents requiring emergency response.
How to Call the Police:
- Dial the number: Dial 112 or 997 from any phone.
- Stay calm: Speak clearly and calmly, providing the operator with the necessary information.
- Provide details:
- Location: Give the exact address or describe the location as precisely as possible.
- Type of emergency: Clearly state the nature of the situation (e.g., “robbery,” “car accident,” “fight”).
- Number of people involved: If applicable, mention how many people are involved in the incident.
- Your contact information: Provide your name and phone number so the police can reach you if needed.
- Follow instructions: The operator will guide you through the next steps and may ask additional questions.
- Wait for assistance: Stay on the line until the police arrive at the scene.
Important Considerations:
- Language Barrier: If you don’t speak Polish, try to communicate in English. Most operators at the 112 emergency line have some English proficiency. If possible, have someone nearby who can translate.
- False Calls: Making false emergency calls is a serious offense in Poland. Only call the police when you genuinely need assistance.
- Non-Emergency Situations: For non-urgent matters, such as reporting a crime that happened in the past, you can visit the nearest police station or call the non-emergency police number in your area.
Additional Tips:
- Stay informed: Familiarize yourself with the emergency numbers and basic Polish phrases related to emergencies.
- Be prepared: Save the emergency numbers in your phone’s contacts for quick access.
- Stay safe: When in an emergency situation, prioritize your safety and the safety of others.
Useful Polish Phrases:
- Policja: Police
- Pomoc: Help
- Ratunek: Rescue
- Nagły wypadek: Emergency
- Kradzież: Theft
- Pożar: Fire
- Wypadek samochodowy: Car accident
By following these guidelines and staying informed, you can be prepared to contact the police in Poland when needed, ensuring your safety and the safety of others.
Here are the official websites for the police in Poland:
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National Police (Policja): This is the main website for the Polish National Police, providing information about their activities, units, statistics, law, and contact details. You can find it at: https://www.policja.pl/pol/english-version/4889,Polish-National-Police.html
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Emergency Contact Information: This page on the National Police website provides contact information for various emergency situations, including a special hotline for refugees from Ukraine and their families: https://police.policja.gov.pl/zpl/aktualnos/aktual/46250,file.html
Additional Resources:
- European Emergency Number Association (EENA): This website provides information about the 112 emergency number in Europe, including Poland: https://eena.org/
Please note:
- The National Police website is available in both Polish and English.
- The emergency contact information page includes contact details for various police units across Poland.
I hope this helps!
Remember: In case of a genuine emergency, don’t hesitate to call the police immediately. Your prompt action can make a crucial difference.
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