Published on 03/6/2008

0300 333 4444 the non-emergency number for Essex Police goes live tomorrow.....

New non-emergency number for Essex Police

By Morwenna Holland

A new non-emergency number for Essex Police will go live tomorrow, Thursday, March 6, 2008.

The new number is 0300 333 4444. It is a 24 hour, seven days a week service that will connect callers from across the county to the switchboard at Essex Police. Calls will then be directed to the most appropriate person, department or station.

The non-emergency number should be used for all enquiries to Essex Police but does not replace the emergency number 999. If there is a crime or serious incident in progress, a serious risk of injury or a risk of serious damage to property you should always dial 999.

Deputy Chief Constable Andy Bliss, who will join children at the Fairhouse Community Infant School in Basildon to officially launch the telephone number commented: “The non-emergency number will improve telephone access to the police ensuring that all calls are dealt with quickly and effectively.

“By having a memorable, low cost, non-emergency telephone number for the whole county it will be easier to contact Essex Police even when you are away from home. You can still contact your local neighbourhood police officer on their mobile telephone number, which can be found on our website www.essex.police.uk or by texting your postcode to 07624 800 101.”

Mr Robert Chambers, chairman of the Essex Police Authority, said: “Having a non-emergency number provides convenient access to Essex Police 24 hours a day, a service members of the public have asked for. I urge everyone across the county to remember the new non-emergency phone number, keep one of the handy business card reminders or save it to their mobile phone.”

Callers to the non-emergency number will be charged the same or less than calls to 01 (eg 01245) and 02 (eg 0208) prefixed numbers and will be included as part of any inclusive minutes or discount package.