101 - Now its easier to make a non-emergency call to the police

More about 101
http://www.police.uk/101

Introduction of 101 -  police non-emergency number

101, the national police non-emergency number is being rolled out across England and Wales to provide one easy way for the public to contact the police service.

Warwickshire Police and the rest of the West Midlands region will go-live for 101 calls from 8^th November 2011. This is already live on 01NOV.

While 999 is a well-recognised number used to report emergencies, the 2010 British Crime Survey found that only 54% of the public knew how to contact their local police if they want to talk to them about policing, crime or anti-social behaviour.

The introduction of the 101 number will help communities who do not know the number of their local policing team or other direct contact with the force to keep their neighbourhoods safe by giving them an easy way to contact their local police force.

The number is already in use in areas such as Wales, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Sheffield and London, and is being rolled out across all forces in England on a phased basis.

Initial public feedback on 101 indicates that it is being well used and has been well received, contributing to improvements in public satisfaction and confidence for people who need to call the police.

Calls to 101 will cost 15 pence per call, no matter how long a member of the public is on the phone – this applies to both landlines and mobile phones. For the first time, everyone calling the police for non-emergency matters will know exactly how much the call will cost them and will be assured of equal access whether they are on a pay-as-you-go mobile or a home landline.

In an emergency, the public should continue to call 999, such as when a crime is in progress, when there is danger to life or when violence is being used or threatened.

Warwickshire Police will continue to operate its 01926 415000 and direct dial telephone numbers for individuals and organisations who need to contact specific functions or individuals. Local policing teams will continue to be accessible via telephone and email, as advertised on their SNT website pages.

Further information, together with copies of the marketing material to be used to help communication of 101, will be shared in due course. Warwickshire Police asks that 101 is not publicly promoted until 8^th November 2011.

For further information, please contact us, or visit www.police.uk/101.

Tony Taylor

Customer Contact Manager, Warwickshire Police

01926 415238

tony.taylor@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk