Thursday 18th October 2012

Derbyshire police are holding a Twitter quiz and virtual surgery to mark the first anniversary of the launch of the 101 non-emergency number.

The force introduced the number on October 24th last year as part of a national move to make it easier to call police in a non-emergency.

While the majority of people now use 101, there are still some people using the old number and the force is trying to encourage everyone to store the new number.

The force will be holding a Twitter quiz to highlight when to use the 101 number and a virtual surgery for people to ask call handlers questions about the types of incidents they have to deal with on Wednesday, October 24th.

The quiz will run from 10am to 4pm with the hash-tag #999or101 based on hypothetical incidents which will be tweeted throughout the day.

Followers are encouraged to tweet the force with which is the most relevant number to ring and also any questions they may have about how the force deals with incidents and handles calls.

The virtual surgery will run from 7pm to 8pm and users can log on to the force website at this time for a live chat with officers who answer both 999 and non-emergency calls.

Chief Inspector Tracy Harrison, deputy head of Contact Management, said: "The 101 number is helping to improve the non-emergency service we offer as it is easier to remember and is the same across the country.

"I would encourage anyone who hasn't yet made a note of the number to do so now, that way you will have it to hand should you need to speak to your local police."

"The Twitter quiz and the virtual surgery are fun and interactive ways to raise awareness among the public of the non-emergency number. It will also help to educate people about the variety of calls we have to deal with on a daily basis."

Calls to 101 are 15p for the duration of the call, whether from a landline or a mobile.

Deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired callers can access the service via textphone on 18001 101.

The non-emergency number is a 24/7 service which should be used for all police matters of a non-urgent nature.

These include:

• If you want to give police information about a crime in the area.
• If you want to contact a local police officer (such as someone from your Safer Neighbourhood Team).
• If your property has been stolen or damaged and it is not a crime in progress.
• If you suspect drug use and dealing in your area.
• If you want to report a minor traffic collision.

Always ring 999 in an emergency. An emergency is where there is a crime in progress, or an immediate threat to life or property.

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