101 is the police single non-emergency number (SNEN) in the United Kingdom (UK), which automatically connects the caller to their local police force, in a similar manner to the pre-existing 999 emergency number.[1][2] The 101 service was created to ease pressure, and abuse of the existing 999 system. Hazel Blears, then a UK government minister in the Home Office, stated that the new system would "strengthen community engagement".[2] In 2004, ten million 999 calls were made in the UK; however, 70% of those calls were deemed not to be an emergency.[2]
The 101 number does not work for calls originating from outside the United Kingdom.[1] Should the need arise to contact a UK police force when abroad, the pre-existing UK geographic number for the required police force should be dialled.[1][3]
- ^ a b c "101 – the police non-emergency number – 101 is the number to call when you want to contact your local police in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland - when it's less urgent than a 999 call". www.Police.uk. Home Office. Archived from the original on 28 September 2015. Retrieved 9 November 2015.
- ^ a b c "Summer launch for 101 crime line". News.BBC.co.uk. BBC News Online – British Broadcasting Corporation. 8 March 2006. Retrieved 12 January 2008.
- ^ "Contact the police – Alternative non-emergency telephone numbers". www.Police.uk. Home Office. Archived from the original on 31 March 2020. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
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