Following a successful trial across several Forces since 2006, 101 has been adopted as the single national non-emergency number in England and Wales.
Having just two phone numbers instead of the traditional range of public numbers in each region is expected to improve the public experience and help police handle calls more efficiently.
Commenting in his blog on the Association of Chief Police Officers website, Commander Ian Dyson of City of London Police said: "The point of first contact with the public is a vital area for the police as it has such an impact on the way we are perceived as a service.
"We need the public to help us cut crime – and that means they need to feel any public enquiry, emergency or not, is dealt with appropriately, efficiently and politely - 101 should help us take standards of [call handling] service even higher."
The www.police.uk website breaks down where members of the public should direct their calls to get the most efficient service:
| Do call 101: |
Call 999 when it’s an emergency:
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Instead of calling the police, try calling your local council for:
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•if your car has been stolen
•if your property has been damaged
•where you suspect drug use or dealing
•if you want to report a minor traffic collision
•if you want to give the police information about crime
•or if you simply want to talk to your local police officer.
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•a crime is in progress
•someone suspected of a crime is nearby
•when there is danger to life
•when violence is being used or threatened.
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•reporting graffiti
•abandoned vehicles
•dumping and fly tipping
•vandalism.
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Calls to 101 from landlines and mobile networks cost 15 pence per call, 24/7 and a call, no matter where it’s from, will be transferred directly to the control room of the local police force - for more information visit www.police.uk
Post uploaded 17/11/2012 by richard.hook@pavpub.com