101 – Police non-emergency number

From 14^th November 2011 communities across Kent will have access to 101, the new national non-emergency telephone number for the police throughout England and Wales.

While 999 is a well-recognised number used to report emergencies, the 2010 British Crime Survey found that only 54% of the public know how to contact their local police if they want to talk to them about policing, crime or anti-social behaviour.

The introduction of the 101 number will give the public a simple, easy way to contact their local police force to report non-emergency crime and disorder, speak to their local officers or make general enquiries.

The number is already in use by many police forces around the UK with the last force due to go live in December this year.

We know from their experience that 101 has been well received by the public and has led to improvements in public satisfaction and confidence when calling the police. Further information can be found at www.police.uk/101

Each call to 101 will never cost more than 15 pence, no matter how long you are on the phone – this applies to both landlines and mobile phones.

In an emergency the public should continue to call 999, when a crime is in progress or life is in danger.

People who are deaf or speech impaired can still text ‘police’ and their message to 60066.

Our current number, 01622 690690, will remain in place for callers from overseas but will no longer be promoted as the non-emergency number for Kent Police.

I would be grateful if you could assist in promoting this valuable service.

Our Corporate Communications team is leading the introduction of 101 within Kent Police and should be the first point of contact for any queries (Helen Marshall – 01622 652162, Helen.marshall@kent.pnn.police.uk).