999 alternative 101 launched by Kenny MacAskill

Published on 22/02/2013 12:00

JUSTICE Secretary Kenny MacAskill has launched a new national non-emergency number for the police.

The 101 number is intended to reduce pressure on the 999 system and will give the public a new way to report a crime, get advice or speak to a local police officer. Mr MacAskill said: “When it’s not an emergency, 101 is now the main number to call your local police. It is an easy-to-remember way to contact the police anywhere in Scotland, to report a crime, receive advice or speak to a local officer.”

Callers dialling 101 will hear a recorded message saying they are being connected to their local police service centre.

The system will determine the caller’s location and connect them to a call handler in the service centre for their area, ensuring staff with local knowledge deal with the inquiry.