Force relaunches 101 service to speed up service to the public

Nottinghamshire Police has relaunched its non-emergency 101 service to ensure the public are immediately directed to the department who can answer their inquiry without speaking to a control room officer, freeing them up to focus on 999 calls.

So far this year, Nottinghamshire Police has received 140,000 calls, with more than half of the callers waiting to be transferred to the force’s switchboard. By reducing the number of options for a caller to choose from, callers will now spend less time waiting and the force says it will improve public confidence as a result.

The 101 number is used by the public for any non-emergency calls which can include passing on information about a current investigation or to report something suspicious in their area.

Superintendent Simon Allardice is responsible for Nottinghamshire Police’s contact management. He said he wanted to reduce barriers to the public contacting the force.

“By making these subtle but significant changes, we can improve people’s first impression when calling our non-emergency 101 number. However, if they need to speak to someone urgently, then you can be transferred to the switchboard.

“The whole experience is much more user-friendly and ensures the public can speak to the right person who can answer their questions. It also offers a more personalised service.”

Superintendent Simon Allardice. Nottinghamshire Police.

Like other police forces, Nottinghamshire encourages the public to use its online reporting and live chat options through its website.