We have several ways for our deaf, hard of hearing, speech impaired or deaf-blind communities to contact us if you struggle with our main contact methods.

In an emergency

Use our emergency text service – 65999

This mobile phone text service is for those who are deaf  or speech impaired and those who can't use a voice phone.

Please note, also try other ways to contact us as text messages are not guaranteed to arrive quickly. 

When you send a text to 65999, please key in these details:

  • which emergency service you need police, fire, ambulance or coastguard
  • what the emergency is
  • the exact location of the emergency

Your message goes to Sussex Police Control, who’ll deal with your request for the emergency services. As soon as they receive the text, they’ll reply to confirm they've got it and may ask you more questions.

Pegaus card scheme 

If you have speech or communication difficulties, join our Pegasus card scheme, which could save you time and help you in an emergency.

If it's not an emergency

Minicom: 01273 483435 (Please make sure you include the area code. This is a text-only service.)

Text: 07786 208090

British Sign Language (BSL)

We have partnered with Interpreter Now to provide a Video Relay Service, which will enable BSL users to report crime via immediate access to online BSL interpretation.

The interpreter will call the relevant police force and provide a live relay interpretation of the crime you are reporting.

Report using BSL