National 101 number to reach POLICE in a non-emergency

Posted on June 30 2013

Derbyshire Constabulary is reminding members of the community to use the national 101 number to reach police in a non-emergency.

The force launched the new number in October 2011 as part of the national scheme to make it cheaper and easier to contact police.

More than 60 per cent of non-emergency calls to Derbyshire police now come through on the 101 number as opposed to the old ‘0345’ number with that figure steadily increasing.

A small number of calls that aren’t emergencies come through to police via 999 as the caller doesn’t know the new number. This could prevent genuine emergency callers getting through to police.

Officers from the Contact Management department, which deals with all calls to police, are reminding members of the public to add the 101 number to their mobile phones.

Inspector Adam Waterfall, from the force’s Contact Management department, said: “The number is generally working well and is far easier to remember than the old number. In the main people are now comfortable using it.

“I would encourage anyone who hasn’t yet made a note of the number to do so now, that way you will have it to hand should you need to speak to your local police.

“You can use it to report a crime that is not in progress, get crime prevention advice and for any other non-emergency.”

Calls to 101 are 15p for the duration of the call, whether from a landline or a mobile. Deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired callers can access the service via textphone on 18001 101.

The non-emergency number is a 24/7 service which should be used for all police matters of a non-urgent nature. These include:

• If you want to give police information about a crime in the area.
• If you want to contact a local police officer (such as someone from your Safer Neighbourhood Team).
• If your property has been stolen or damaged and it is not a crime in progress.
• If you suspect drug use and dealing in your area.
• If you want to report a minor traffic collision.

Always ring 999 in an emergency. An emergency is where there is a crime in progress, or an immediate threat to life or property.