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There isn’t just the 999 number for getting in touch with the police. Up until very recently, each police force in the country had a different telephone number for the public to contact them in non-emergency situations? The problem was that some folk found it hard to remember or even to know which number to ring, especially if they lived close to police force boundaries.
It also had a cost associated with the call, which wasn’t necessarily fixed, regardless of how long the call lasted and it sometimes came up on itemised billing, which wasn’t very helpful to those contacting the police secretly or without the knowledge of someone else in the household.
There is a national roll-out going on at the moment to introduce the new contact number which is or will be before the end of summer 2012 – 101.
101 is being introduced as part of the government’s wider work to improve access to the police, ease pressure on 999, and help to efficiently and effectively tackle crime and disorder.
This is a much simpler number to remember and dial. It only costs 15 pence (even from a mobile phone) regardless of how long the call lasts and doesn’t show up on itemised phone bills.
The 101 number should be used for example when -
- your car has been stolen
- your property has been damaged
- you suspect drug use or dealing in your neighbourhood
Or to:
- report a minor traffic collision
- give the police information about crime in your area
- speak to the police about a general enquiry
People should continue to call 999 when it is an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, when there is danger to life or when violence is being used or threatened
Related articles
- Humberside Police launch non-emergency number: 101 (hessleblog.wordpress.com)
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