Non-emergency 101 telephone service saved

12:08pm Tuesday 19th February 2008

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By Dan Kerins »

The 101 telephone number for non-emergency calls has been saved for another year.

The service, which deals primarily with people reporting anti-social crime, was due to be ditched this month.

Negotiations between Hampshire police and local authorities have come up with a one-off payment from the Home Office to help while the service becomes self-funding.

That means the service can now run until at least March 2009, with reviews being carried out to see how it can be extended beyond then.

Additional funding has been found by merging Hampshire Constabulary's own non-emergency call centre with the 101 call room.

Some local authorities are financially supporting development work and a review on how the best features of the service will be sustained beyond March 2009.

Hampshire's Chief Constable Paul Kernaghan said: "More than 350,000 calls to 101 since its launch in 2006 show that the service has been widely adopted as the first port of call to report anti-social behaviour, and its abandonment by the Home Office is disappointing.

"I am delighted that our partners, in the councils of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, have agreed to preserve this important service, which truly is partnership in action. Collectively we are saying this service works for the communities we serve and we are keen to build on its advantages locally, despite the Home Office decision to cancel the planned national roll out.

"We are committed to providing a quality service and 101 assists us in delivering such a service. I pay tribute to enlightened local council leaders who are prepared to collaborate for the good of the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight."

The move means 101 will remain the number to call for non-emergency anti-social behaviour issues like noise nuisance, rowdy groups and vandalism.

Hampshire Constabulary will to pass on the information taken on the 101 service to local authorities so that community safety partnerships can take joint action to tackle hot spots and reduce anti-social behaviour in the long term.

Councillor Jacqui Rayment, chair of Hampshire Police Authority, added: "The 101 service enjoyed a successful launch followed by a popular take up by residents and it currently takes up to 600 calls a day.

"I am very pleased that a way has been found to keep 101 going here in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. "Through 101 we have all gained valuable experience working with partner organisations, experience which will be put to good use as the service moves on to the next stage."