Q: When will Avon and Somerset Police launch 101?

A: We will be using 101 from 19th September 2011.

Q: What will happen to the 0845 number?

A: 101 will replace the existing police non-emergency number 0845 456 7000. However there will be a crossover period when both numbers will be in use.

Q: How do I contact Avon and Somerset Police if I am out of the force area?

A: If you are calling from outside the UK or in an area which is not yet using 101, you will need to call us on 0845 456 7000 until the end of 2011.

If you are calling from an area that does use 101, then you can dial 101 and there will be an option to go to an operator. From here you can be put through to Avon and Somerset Police.

Q. Why do you need a new non-emergency number?

A. The Government is committed to cutting crime and helping citizens keep their neighbourhoods safe. Key to achieving this is making it easier for the public to contact the police and report crime and disorder. The 2010 British Crime Survey found that only 54% of the public know how to contact their local police if they want to talk to them about policing, crime or anti-social behaviour. Giving people an easy and memorable number to call to contact their local police force could improve reporting of crime and disorder, ease the pressure on 999, and help efficiently and effectively tackle crime and disorder.

Q. Where will calls be answered?

A. Calls to 101 will be answered by police call handlers in our Force Service Centre, in the same way as if the caller had dialled the old non-emergency number. This ensures that Avon and Somerset Constabulary staff answer and deal with calls in a way that best meets the needs of our communities.

Q. How much will it cost the public to call 101?

A. Calls to 101 will cost 15 pence for the entire call, no matter how long you are on the phone – this applies to both landlines and mobile phones. For the first time ever, everyone calling the police for non-emergency matters will know exactly how much it will cost them and will be assured of equal access whether they are on a pay-as-you-go mobile or a home landline. For many, this will be cheaper than the current cost of calling the police when it is not an emergency – calls to some existing police non-emergency numbers can cost 40 pence per minute on pay-as-you-go tariffs depending on the service provider.