Since November, Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent have access to 101, the national non-emergency telephone number for the police service in England and Wales….
Chief Inspector Mark Riley, who manages the Staffordshire force control room, said: "While 999 is a well-recognised number used to report emergencies, the 2010 British Crime Survey found that only 54 per cent 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 help communities to keep their neighbourhoods safe by giving them one easy way to contact their local police force to report non-emergency crime and disorder.
"The number is already in use in London, Wales, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and Sheffield, but it is now being rolled out across England on a phased basis during 2011.
We know from the experience of these initial areas that 101 is well received by the public and has led to improvements in public satisfaction and confidence when calling the police.
"Calls to 101 will cost 15 pence per call, no matter how long you are on the phone – this applies to both landlines and mobile phones.
For the first time, everyone calling the police for non-emergency matters will know exactly how much the call will cost them and will be assured of equal access whether they are on a pay-as-you-go mobile or a home landline.
"In an emergency, the public should continue to call 999, such as when a crime is in progress, when there is danger to life or when violence is being used or threatened."
The Staffordshire Police current number (0300 123 4455) will remain in place while our communities become familiar with 101.
Chief Inspector Riley added: "People should call 101 to report less urgent crime and disorder or to speak to their local officers.
For example, you should call 101 if your car has been stolen, your property has been damaged or you suspect drug use or dealing in your neighbourhood.
You can also use 101 to report a minor traffic collision, give the police information about crime in your area or speak to the police about a general enquiry.
"As 101 become more familiar we expect the numbers of inappropiate calls via 999 to reduce so we can improve the service we provide to geniune emergencies."
