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Nov 23, 2011 -- Merseyside Police has launched a new non-emergency telephone number – 101.

The introduction of the new number is part of a national programme to make it easier to contact police where an immediate police response is not required.

Merseyside Police will be joined by neighbouring forces Cheshire and Greater Manchester (GMP) in switching to 101. The new number replaces the current non-emergency number of 0151 709 6010.

Shelly Dooley, Head of the Force Contact Centre, said: "We are hoping that this new single number will make it easier for people to contact the police in the most appropriate way.

"With just two police numbers to remember – 999 if it’s an emergency, or the new 101 for reporting a crime that has already happened, or getting advice or raising any issues with local policing teams – calling Merseyside Police has never been so easy.

"Over 70% of the 999 calls that come to Merseyside Police are not responded to as a Grade 1 call, meaning that an emergency response is not required.

"The new number is easier to remember and will not only mean that it is easier for the public to contact us, but it will also reduce the pressure on the 999 system, allowing us to deal with the most urgent calls even more effectively."

The call handlers who will operate the new number, as well as the 999 calls welcome its introduction. Noel Keville, Call Handling Team Leader said: "It is understandable that people may call 999, even if the call is not an emergency, it’s easy to remember and wherever you are you can talk to the police.

"The introduction of 101 should mean that people across the board get the best possible service from the force."

Operators can put the call through to the relevant force if it is something that has happened in a different force area.

Shelly Dooley continued: "The people of Merseyside will still get the best possible service from Merseyside Police, and be able to contact officers in a number of different ways.

"Local officers will still be available at neighbourhood meetings and local surgeries, and the public will still be able to contact them directly by phone or email."

The public are reminded to always calls 999 in an emergency, where there is a threat to life or if a crime is in progress.

Posted by Veronica Silva Cusi, news correspondent
Source: http://www.clickliverpool.com

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