Cameroon Police Number: 117
+237 · National Police
The police emergency number in Cameroon is 117. Operated by Cameroon National Police. Free to call. Works from mobile phones.
National Police
Cameroon · Police
📝 National police emergency number for urban areas. Handles criminal emergencies and public safety.
🔢 Dedicated Number Pages
📍 Find Nearest Emergency Services
Use GPS to locate the nearest hospital, police station, or fire station near your current location.
🗣️ Emergency Phrases in Cameroon
Use these phrases to communicate in an emergency when language is a barrier. Tap the speaker to play pronunciation.
⚠️ When NOT to Call Police
- • Do not call 117 for administrative matters - visit the local police station
- • Do not call 119 for non-urgent medical consultations - visit a health center
- • Do not make false emergency calls - punishable under Cameroonian law
- • Do not call emergency numbers for electricity outages - contact ENEO
- • Do not use emergency lines for road conditions or traffic information
✈️ Travel Notes — Cameroon
Emergency response is most reliable in Yaoundé and Douala. Response in rural areas and conflict zones may be severely limited or unavailable. Private clinics in major cities offer better emergency care than public facilities. Medical evacuation may be necessary for serious conditions.
🛡️ Traveling to Cameroon? Protect Yourself
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Police Emergency Service in Cameroon — Complete Guide
When traveling to Cameroon or living there as an expat, knowing the correct police number in Cameroon is critical for emergency preparedness. The official emergency contact line for police services in Cameroon is 117, which is operated and monitored by Cameroon National Police. National police emergency number for urban areas. Handles criminal emergencies and public safety.
How to Dial 117 in Cameroon
To reach the National Police in Cameroon, dial 117 from any local fixed line, cellular phone, or public payphone. Dialing from mobile devices is fully supported across local mobile operators and international roaming SIM cards. A SIM card is typically required by mobile operators in Cameroon. If you lack a SIM card, dial the universal emergency number 112. Calls to this emergency service are 100% free of charge — no prepaid airtime credit or active subscription plan is required.
Calling from International Roaming or Abroad
If you are within Cameroon using an international roaming SIM card, you can dial 117 directly without any country code prefix. If you need to contact emergency dispatch in Cameroon from an international location, the country calling code is +237.
Language & Communication with Dispatchers
Emergency operators in Cameroon communicate primarily in fr, en. If you do not speak fr, remain calm and state your language immediately (e.g. "English, please"). Most national dispatch centers have access to telephonic interpretation services or English-speaking officers to ensure rapid dispatch.
What to Expect When You Dial 117
When you call the police number in Cameroon, you will be connected to a trained dispatcher at Cameroon National Police. These operators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. When connected, clearly state:
- Your exact location (city, neighborhood, landmark, or GPS coordinates)
- The nature of the emergency (police assistance)
- Number of individuals involved or needing immediate medical/police/fire assistance
- Your contact number for callback if disconnected
All Emergency Numbers in Cameroon
Please note that Cameroon utilizes dedicated emergency lines for different agencies. Besides the Police (117), the following emergency services can also be reached directly: National Police (117), Emergency Medical Service (SAMU) (119), Fire and Rescue Service (118). Additionally, the universal emergency contact number 112 is active across Cameroon and will redirect calls to the appropriate local agency.
Official Regulatory & Government Source
The emergency number 117 is verified against official directories published by Cameroon National Police. Last verified on 2026-01. If you notice any outdated information or changed hotline details, please contact our editorial team so we can update the platform for traveler safety.
Frequently Asked Questions — Police in Cameroon
What is the Police number in Cameroon? ▼
The Police emergency number in Cameroon is 117. National police emergency number for urban areas. Handles criminal emergencies and public safety.
Does 117 work from mobile in Cameroon? ▼
Yes, 117 works from all mobile phones in Cameroon.
Can I call 117 without a SIM card? ▼
A SIM card is typically required. Try 112, the universal number, which works without a SIM on most networks.
Is calling 117 free in Cameroon? ▼
Yes, calling 117 is free in Cameroon. No airtime credit needed.
Who operates Police in Cameroon? ▼
The Police service in Cameroon is operated by Cameroon National Police. Source: https://www.minsante.cm/
Can I call 117 from a mobile phone without credit in Cameroon? ▼
Yes. Emergency calls to 117, 118, and 119 are free and can be made without airtime credit.
Are emergency operators able to speak English in Cameroon? ▼
English is an official language in Cameroon, but French is the dominant language for emergency services. In Anglophone regions, English may be available but is not guaranteed.
What emergency services are available outside Yaoundé and Douala? ▼
Police posts exist in all departments, but emergency response is slower. Ambulance services are concentrated in major cities. Fire stations exist only in larger towns.
Is there a gendarmerie number in Cameroon? ▼
The Gendarmerie handles rural and highway policing. They can be reached through the main police number 117, which will redirect as needed.