After an influx of non-emergency calls being made to the emergency line, Dorset Police have launched a campaign challenging people to think before they dial 999. The Force has faced increased demand levels recently, with over 6,000 calls to 999 made in a two week period. A number of these calls though have not been related to actual emergencies, crime, or sometimes even an actual police matter.
Chief Superintendent Julie Howe, of Dorset Police, said: “The Dorset Police Control Room has received several calls to 999 about incidents that are clearly not a police emergency.
“In the last week alone, we have received several calls from people who do not require an urgent police response. These have included people looking for a telephone number for a taxi, as well as someone at an allotment who was unable to move their car because someone had blocked them in. These calls are wasting valuable resources in our contact centres.
“The 999-emergency phone line should remain as clear as possible to ensure we can quickly and efficiently respond to callers who may be in immediate danger or witnessing a crime.
“In non-emergency situations, the public can contact us by calling 101, by filling in an online form on the Dorset Police website, by reporting crime at police station enquiry desks or at one of our many community contact points.
“Anyone looking for an update to an ongoing investigation should only call us if something changes or if there is new information or intelligence to report.
Call 999 if there is a crime in progress or danger to life.
To provide information in a non-emergency situation call 101 or visit the Dorset Police website: https://www.dorset.police.uk/