Posted into a Reddit thread asking 999 operators to describe the one call that they could never forget, this tale of a woman phoning the police to ask for a pepperoni pizza is an absolutely amazing read.
But not for the reason you might expect; this isn't a LOL tale, it's a lesson in quick-thinking and cool-headedness.
WHY I NEVER TOLD ANYONE ABOUT MY RAPE
This is what the transcript said:
‘911, where is your emergency?’
‘123 Main St.’
‘Ok, what’s going on there?’
‘I’d like to order a pizza for delivery.” (oh great, another prank call).
‘Ma’am, you’ve reached 911′
‘Yeah, I know. Can I have a large with half pepperoni, half mushroom and peppers?’
‘Ummm…. I’m sorry, you know you’ve called 911 right?’
‘Yeah, do you know how long it will be?’
‘Ok, Ma’am, is everything ok over there? do you have an emergency?’
‘Yes, I do.’
‘..And you can’t talk about it because there’s someone in the room with you?” (moment of realisation)
‘Yes, that’s correct. Do you know how long it will be?’
‘I have an officer about a mile from your location. Are there any weapons in your house?’
‘Nope.’
‘Can you stay on the phone with me?’
‘Nope. See you soon, thanks’
SEE: BRAVE GIRL SHARES DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PHOTOS ON FACEBOOK
The operator explained: "As we dispatch the call, I check the history at the address, and see there are multiple previous domestic violence calls.
"The officer arrives and finds a couple, female was kind of banged up, and boyfriend was drunk. Officer arrests him after she explains that the boyfriend had been beating her for a while.
"I thought she was pretty clever to use that trick. Definitely one of the most memorable calls."
LISTEN: POLICE RELEASE DISTURBING RECORDING FROM A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 999 CALL
While it is desperately sad that this woman couldn't ask for help in any other way, we are very impressed with her quick-thinking - not to mention the emergency call operator's ability to spot that something was wrong.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, you can get help from the British National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247 and at their website now.