News
New 101 non-emergency number launched
11 January 2012
A single non-emergency 101 number has been rolled out to police forces across England and Wales today in a bid to help the public to access the police when they need them.
The number is designed to give the public a memorable number for their local police force to report crimes and concerns that do not require an emergency response. It is expected to aid the police in dealing 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 lasts or what time of day, many members of the public are spared the cost of traditional 0845 numbers previously used by many forces which can cost up to 40p per minute.
With about 25 per cent of 999 calls nationally requiring an emergency response from the police, 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 to local police forces.
Nick Herbert, Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice, said: ‘The introduction of the 101 number marks one of the most significant changes in the way people contact the police since 999 was introduced nearly 70 years ago.
‘The public now have an easier way to contact their local police force with a memorable number for non-emergencies. Previous plans for a national non-emergency number never materialised, but this Government has delivered a practical scheme.
‘Together with street level crime mapping and the election of Police and Crime Commissioners, 101 marks another step forward in our ambition to strengthen the connection between the police and public, and cut crime.’
Commander Ian Dyson, ACPO lead on contact management, said: ‘Having just two phone numbers - 101 for reporting a crime that has happened, to get advice or to raise local policing issues - or 999 if it's an emergency, makes calling the police a lot easier and makes our services more accessible.
‘It's also expected to reduce the number of inappropriate 999 calls the service receives, enabling us to respond to genuine emergencies more effectively.
‘999 should only be used in an emergency, that is when a crime is happening, when someone suspected of a crime is nearby, or where someone is injured, being threatened or in danger. For all other matters the public should call us on 101.’
Looking to the future, the government is aware of the potential of 101 for transforming local services. Subject to local agreement, the ‘101’ number could enable the police to join up with partners to provide communities with easier access to a wider range of local services.
Frequently asked questions
What classes as an emergency?
Calling 101 for situations that do not require an immediate police response helps keep 999 available for when there is an emergency. An emergency is when a crime is happening, someone suspected of a crime is nearby, someone is injured, being threatened or a life is at risk, or there is a traffic incident involving personal injury or danger.
You can also call 101 if you simply want to talk to your local police officer or a member of police staff - you will be connected to the relevant person via our switchboard.
What benefits does 101 provide?
Using 101 for situations which do not require an immediate police response helps keep 999 available for when there is an emergency.
We hope introducing a simple and easy to remember number - 101 - makes it easier for people to contact us and reduces the number of inappropriate 999 calls received.
You should only call 999 when a crime is in progress or life is in danger.
How does 101 work?
Your mobile phone signal or landline area code determines which police force you are directed to. If you are calling from within one mile of a force boundary you will be given options of nearby police forces so you can choose.
Will I be put through to a national call centre?
No, all calls to Kent Police on 101 are answered by police call handlers in our Force Control Room in Maidstone, Kent. Calls may be recorded for training, development, evidential and public safety reasons.
Will 101 replace 999?
No, 101 is the national non-emergency number. 999 continues to be the number to dial when you need to report an emergency.
999 should only be used for real emergencies – when a crime is in progress, offenders are nearby, someone is injured or being threatened, a life is at risk, or there is a traffic incident involving injury or danger.
What happens if I call 101 but it is an emergency situation?
If you call 101 and we believe you need an emergency response, our trained call handlers will put you through to 999 for immediate assistance.
VIDEO: New 101 non-emergency number launched