101 is a confidential and easy to remember number for all non-emergency contact with Hampshire Constabulary.
What is 101 for?
You can now call 101 for any non-emergency contact with Hampshire Constabulary. This includes the reporting of crime as well as anti-social behaviour issues, leaving a message for an officer or member of staff, and general advice and information.
What is 101 not for?
- 101 is not for reporting emergencies.
- If you or someone else is in immediate danger, or you witness a crime taking place, always call 999.
When should I call 101, and when 999?
The 101 service doesn’t replace the 999 emergency service.
You should always dial 999 if:
- Life is at risk
- Offenders are nearby
- Injury is caused or threatened
- Crime or disorder is in progress
101 works alongside 999, and advisers will transfer the information to the emergency service for action if the call needs a 999 response.
I used to call 0845, is this number still valid now that 101 has been introduced?
The 101 number runs alongside the existing 0845 045 4545 number. Both 101 and 0845 calls will be answered by the Hampshire Constabulary switchboard, irrespective of the number they dialled.
Why has 101 been introduced?
The Government made a commitment to introduce the single non-emergency number in its 2005 election manifesto. It formed part of a package of measures to improve community safety set out in the police reform White Paper, Building Communities, Beating Crime. It also supports the Department for Communities and Local Government’s Cleaner, Safer, Greener Communities strategy to tackle the quality of life issues.
Who is funding 101?
The national 101 telephony infrastructure is funded by the Home Office and the Department for Communities and Local Government. The operation of the 101 number in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is funded by Hampshire Constabulary.
What are the benefits of 101?
The benefits of the 101 service are:
- Better access to non-emergency services through a single, easy to remember number
- Improving the 999 emergency service
Is there a service available for the hearing or speech impaired?
People who cannot use a conventional telephone - because they are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Speech Impaired - can contact 101 using the following numbers:
Minicom: 023 8074 5500
TextDirect/TypeTalk Service: 18001 101
Who will I talk to when I call 101?
You will speak with one of our highly trained advisers located in the police non-emergency call centre at Police Headquarters in Winchester. Our call takers deal with enquiries over the phone 24/7, giving advice and information where needed and arranging for action to be taken when appropriate.
What will happen when I report a problem?
If the issue you are reporting is a police matter, appropriate action will be taken. Any information relating to anti-social behaviour issues that is relevant to both police and local authorities will be recorded and passed on to councils for information or action so that partnership working using shared information can continue locally.
For non-police related anti-social behaviour issues such as noise nuisance or the removal of graffiti callers will be advised that any follow-up enquiries should be made directly to the local authority concerned. If the issue is a local authority only matter the call taker will not take the details but signpost the caller to the appropriate agency..
How much does it cost to call 101?
A call to 101 costs a fixed rate of 10 pence per call, whether from landlines or mobiles. The call charge goes to the telecom providers to offset the cost to them of carrying calls. Calls to 101 are free from public call boxes, and some mobile network operators do not pass 101 charges on to their customers.
Is there a service available for non-English speaking callers?
For callers who cannot easily communicate in English, the 101 service can make use us of the Language Line service which provides language specialists to act as intermediaries during a 101 call. Please indicate clearly the language you would like to use to enable staff to find the appropriate specialist.
Can I report a problem online?
It is currently not possible to report an issue to the 101 service online.
