18 October 2011
Norfolk Constabulary has introduced a new telephone number for
people who want to talk to the police about non-urgent issues.
Instead of ringing the current switchboard number of 0845 456
4567, people should dial 101.
The introduction of 101 in Norfolk is part of a
nationwide initiatlve which will see all forces adopt the
number.
It is designed to offer one easy way to contact your local
police force to report non-emergency crimes, disorder or
anti-social behaviour or to speak to your local police
officers.
Assistant Chief Constable Kevin Wilkins said: “Everyone knows to
ring 999 in an emergency – but research shows that only half of the
public know how to contact their local police if they want to talk
to them about less urgent issues.
“The introduction of an easy-to-remember, three-digit number
should help address this."
It is also hoped that the introduction of 101
will help divert more non-urgent calls away from the 999 system,
freeing up call handlers to deal with genuine emergencies.
The new number should be used to report issues which don’t
require an emergency response. For example, people should ring
101 if:
- their vehicle has been stolen
- their property has been damaged
- they suspect drug use or dealing
- they want to give the police information about crime in their
area
- they would like to speak to a local police officer.
101 will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week. When calling 101, the system determines the
caller’s location and connects them to the police force covering
that area.
A recorded message announces which police force the caller is
being connected to – and gives them a choice if they are on a
boundary between two or more forces.
Police call handlers in the local force contact centre will then
answer the call and respond appropriately.
There is also an option of speaking to an operator, if the
caller wishes to contact another force.
Calls from landlines and mobile networks cost 15 pence per call,
no matter what time of day or the duration of the call.
People who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired can
textphone 18001 101.
The new 101 service is not for emergencies. In an emergency,
people should always ring 999 for immediate police
assistance. An emergency is where:
- life is in danger
- a serious offence is in progress
- a suspect is at a scene
- an alleged offender is identified at any location
- there is an imminent likelihood of violence/damage to a
person’s property
- there is a serious road traffic collision.
Listen to this page