James Duddridge, Member of Parliament for Rochford and Southend East, is raising awareness of the single non-emergency 101 number which has been rolled out to police forces across England and Wales to help the public to access the police when they need them. 101 will give the public a memorable number for their local police to report crimes and concerns that do not require an emergency response. It will also help the police to deal more efficiently with calls for help from the public.
At 15p per call from both mobile phones and landlines, no matter how long the call or what time of day, the public will be spared the cost of traditional 0845 numbers previously used by many forces which can cost up to 40p per minute.
With only 25 per cent of 999 calls to the police requiring an emergency response, ministers and chief constables are confident that the 101 number will also ease pressure on 999 services. Police forces in England and Wales have gradually gone live with 101 on a phased basis. The last of the 43 forces have now adopted the number and it is already proving popular with more than two and a half million calls.
James said
“In addition to street crime mapping and the election of Police and Crime Commissioners, the implementation of one national number that is used for non emergency calls to the police marks another step forward in our ambition to strengthen the connection between the police and public, and cut crime.”
The public should continue to call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, when someone suspected of a crime is nearby, when there is danger to life or when violence is being used or threatened.
Crime mapping website is http://www.police.uk/