999 or 101, is it an emergency or not?

Mar 8 2006 By The Journal

People living in the Northumbria Police force area will test a controversial new 101 non-emergency telephone number.

In an effort to ease pressure on hard-pressed 999 systems, ministers will today announce the service - which will cost 10p a call rather than the free 999 service.

Last night the plan was criticised as a dilution of policing and a second-class service for some crimes.

Planned to start in five pilot areas this summer, it is for witnesses to crimes such as vandalism, harassment, intimidation and rubbish dumping. It is planned the rest of the country will follow by 2008. A Home Office spokesman said: "At a time when around 70% of 999 calls are not emergencies it will be a welcome and helpful alternative and also give people more direct access to advice from local authorities and police forces."

The Home Office is suggesting people should pay 10p to call the new number, with charges reviewed when uptake is known.

Pressure has been mounting on the 999 system nationally, fuelled partly by the increased use of mobile phones which means dozens of people can ring to report the same incident.

But North-East Victims' Association chairman David Hines said the idea was an "absolute disgrace".

He said: "People should not be forced to distinguish between an emergency and a non-emergency.

"It's the job of police officers to assess situations and determine whether they are an emergency or not.

"What is classed as an emergency?

"Is someone seen dealing drugs an emergency or not?"

North-East Euro-MP Martin Callanan said the move amounted to a dilution of the police service and would lead to a second-class service for some crimes.

"The real question is will police respond as promptly to these calls as to those made on the 999 service?"

He challenged the Government to invest more money in 999 operators.

Blyth Valley MP Ronnie Campbell welcomed the idea but criticised plans to charge callers.

Northumbria Police declined to comment but issued a statement on behalf of the Single Non-Emergency Number (SNEN) scheme saying advisers would take further action where necessary while freeing 999 lines for emergencies.