Mid-Derbyshire MP endorses launch of single non-emergency police phone number

The Member of Parliament for Mid-Derbyshire has welcomed the launch of a single non-emergency 101 number 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.

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.

Pauline Latham OBE MP said:

“I really welcome this step in modernising the way in which we can report crime - 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.

Statistics from the Home Office reveal that only 25 per cent of 999 calls to the police requiring an emergency response, and so ministers and chief constables are confident that the 101 number will also ease pressure on 999 services.

Nick Herbert MP, Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice, said:

“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.”