This is the police, dial one for...

 

The force claims that it will speed up the way incidents can be reported by reducing waiting times while partner agencies will benefit by being able to directly dial internal extension numbers. It says it will also cut costs.

 

Superintendent Huw Meredith, Head of Customer Service Delivery, Dyfed-Powys Police, said: “101 is an excellent service for the public if they need to report incidents of crime, disorder or anti-social behaviour that do not require an emergency response. Our new upgraded service will improve efficiency even further, which is good news for our communities.

 

“Using 101 for non emergency incidents will free up capacity on the 999 system so we can make sure that emergency calls relating to life or death situations, crimes in progress or violent incidents can be dealt with in the fastest possible time. We want everyone to be as familiar with the 101 number as they are the 999 number, and use it appropriately,” he added.

 

Callers to 101 will automatically be directed to the force in the area they are calling from; in Dyfed Powys they will first be able contact another force if needed, and then to speak in Welsh if desired, after that callers will receive the following four options:

 

(1)  Report a new incident

(2)  Receive an update on an existing incident or for general information or advice

(3)  Direct Dial a number if the extension number is known

(4)  All other enquiries

 

Once a caller has selected their desired option a police call handler will answer and respond appropriately, for example connecting a caller to a police officer or despatching officers to deal with incidents. If an incident is recognised as an emergency, it will be upgraded and prioritised.

 

The new system enables police call handlers to prioritise calls to 101 reporting new incidents, the Force is aiming to answer 90% of this type of call within 45 seconds.