Wiltshire Police thank people for getting online rather than picking up the phone
Plea to ease demand on 999 and 101 calls continues
Last updated 14th Sep 2021
At the start of the summer Wiltshire Police launched a campaign to try to ease the number of unnecessary calls to 999 and 101.
The force has been encouraging people to use its new website first unless it's an emergency or a crime is in progress.
The " Click or Call" campaign has focused on highlighting the demand placed upon Police services, and in particular the Contact Management Centre and officers on the frontline.
Assistant Chief Constable Deb Smith said:
“As an emergency service we are always going to be in high demand, however we know that not every call is an emergency, a report of crime or even something the Police should be dealing with.
“Over the summer we have asked that before you call you consider if you can access the information you need or make a report using our website."
The force has thanked those people who have already made the change to start online.
Between 1 June and 31 August 2021 more than 50,302 people visited the website.
6725 forms have been completed online, freeing up specialist call handlers to answer genuine 999 and 101 calls.
Assistant Chief Constable Deb Smith hopes more people will use the website
“We need more people to keep making this change and start online if your call isn’t urgent or a crime isn’t in progress.
“In no way do we want to discourage our communities from reaching out to us if they need our help, but it is important to remember that 999 is an emergency number and there are other non-emergency options.”
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