New non-emergency number launched in the South East

For example the public should call 101 to report a crime that has already happened, seek crime prevention advice or make us aware of local policing issues.

The number has been introduced to improve access to the police, ease pressure on 999 and to help tackle crime and disorder.

As with 999, calls to 101 will be handled 24 hours a day, seven days a week by specially trained officers and staff.

For people who speak no or little English they can also dial 101 where their call will be connected with an interpreter. Callers who are Deaf, deafened or have a hearing or speech impairment can use a textphone to call: 18001 101; or in an emergency it’s 18000.

Dialling 101 provides a direct link to your police, where you can get information, advice and access to your local policing teams.

Commander Ian Dyson, ACPO lead on contact management said “101 is a number to ring your local police force. It’s simple and straight forward. If it’s an emergency call 999 if it’s not, call 101. This number provides a universal, easy to remember 3-digit telephone number for people living or working in the South East.

“We would remind the public that they should always continue to call 999 in an emergency - for example, when an immediate response is needed because a crime is happening, someone suspected of a crime is nearby, or someone is injured, being threatened or in danger.”

101 aims to:

- Help communities to keep their neighbourhoods safe by giving them one easy way to contact their local police and to report non-emergency crime and disorder;

- Make the police more accessible to their communities, whilst reducing pressure on the 999 system and helping the police to put their resources where they are needed most.

- Help the police to cut crime by making it easier for the public to pass on information about crimes in their neighbourhoods and allowing the police to take swift action.

ACPO has been working with the Home Office to develop a timetable for when 101 will be available. The first phase of six forces in the south-east of England (Metropolitan Police Service, City of London Police, Essex, Surrey and Sussex Police and Hertfordshire Constabulary) are now 'live'. People living in these areas can now call 101 to get through to the police when it's less urgent than 999.

The next stage of the roll-out will be in September, with seven more forces adopting 101 as their non-emergency number. The full roll-out timetable and list of current police non-emergency numbers is available from the Police. UK website (Opens in a new window).

For more information please contact:

ACPO Press Office
Association of Chief Police Officers
e: press.office@acpo.pnn.police.uk