New 101 police number rolled out

[super jumbe]

The non-emergency 101 number for police has been rolled out to all forces across England and Wales as an alternative to 999, ministers have said.


Policing minister Nick Herbert said the move was one of the most significant changes in the way people contact the police since 999 was brought in nearly 70 years ago.


Designed for crimes and concerns that do not require an emergency response, the 101 number has already received 2.5 million calls while it has been being phased in.


Only one in four calls to 999 require an emergency response and the new number is expected to ease pressure on 999 call handlers, enabling police to respond to genuine emergencies more effectively.


Commander Ian Dyson, of the Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo), 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.


"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."
Calls to 101 cost 15p from both mobile phones and landlines, regardless of how long the call is or when it is made.

[Canker_Canison]

Amazing. We had this service about 2-3 years ago & the government cut the funding for it.
Apparently it was too confusing for people to remember 2 f***ing numbers.

Now a U-turn.

With all these policy turn arounds I'm shocked anyone in the government can stand up straight.

[zee24]

aint '112' the samething tho? or is that just on mobiles?

[garry1312]

112 is the European emergency services number can be used in countries in Europe including UK to get through to the emergency services.

[Meat-Head]

"For all other matters the public should call us on 101."
Calls to 101 cost 15p from both mobile phones and landlines, regardless of how long the call is or when it is made.

So we have to pay to report a crime - thought this nomber was free?

[Jaffa]

So we have to pay to report a crime - thought this number was free?

Actually meaty....I was just about to post them same.

So IF you have no credit on your phone, you just don't bother reporting crime cos it isn't an emergency...that will sort the country out no doubt...

[Kalipo]

We've had this service in our area for a few month now, there hasnt been any info on it at all..

You'd think there would be a massive drive to advertise it.. but nothing??

[Meat-Head]

You'd think there would be a massive drive to advertise it.. but nothing??

can just see it now.
You dail 999 in a pannick,

Member of public:- QUICK THERES PEOPLE ROBBING THE PAPER SHOP
999 : Sorry, you will have to redial 101 - calls cost 25p/min
on and off peak, calling this number you agree to recive
promainal material from ourselves and assosated
emergency numbers

[super jumbe]

If I ever go to court as a witness for any crime committed any were on the planet and if asked by judge why did you not report the incident??because why should I spend my pocket money 25p a minute to report the crime?

[Johnner]

Think you need to ask for some more pocket money there SJ !!!

[Shady]

25p? pah i was getting 70p in 1982!! i is considerably.. richer than yow

[Meat-Head]

25p? pah i was getting 70p in 1982!! i is considerably.. richer than yow

Say shadyback mate - a bit of your user names seems to have fell ourff

[Shady]

do us a favour meaty and take a look down the back of the sofa for me

[GastonJ]

I think the idea of 101 is a time and cost saving measure. You call it, you get an automated crime number so they don't have to turn out and you end up getting a crime number quicker than them having to come out 48 hours later to tell you to claim on your insurance... and they make money off it.