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101
Non-emergency phone number
You can now call Kent Police for non-urgent issues on 101. The number is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
To make it quicker and easier for the public to get in contact with their local police, 101 has been introduced in England and Wales. It gives a single, easy-to-remember number to call to report crime and other issues which do not require an emergency response.
You can also call 101 to speak to your local neighbourhood officer, to make a general enquiry or to make us aware of a policing issue where you live.
What classes as an emergency?
Calling 101 for situations that do not require an immediate police response helps keep 999 available for when there is an emergency. An emergency is when a crime is happening, someone suspected of a crime is nearby, someone is injured, being threatened or a life is at risk, or there is a traffic incident involving personal injury or danger.
Each call to 101 will never cost more than 15 pence - no matter what time of day you call, how long your call lasts or even if you call from a mobile. We do not receive any of the call cost.
Frequently asked questions
Why was 101 introduced?
The British Crime Survey in 2010 found that only 54% of the public knew how to contact their local force. The 101 number offers the public an easy way to contact their local police force.
101 has been rolled out to all police forces in England and Wales and means people only have two numbers to remember, whichever county they are in when they need to call the police – 999 in an emergency, 101 when it’s not urgent.
When should I call 101?
You can call 101 to report crime that has already happened and other incidents or concerns that do not require an emergency response.
For example:
- If your car been stolen
- If property has been damaged
- If you suspect drug use or dealing
- To report a minor traffic collision
- To report any other incident that doesn't require an immediate response
- To give us information about crime or criminals in your local area
You can also call 101 if you simply want to talk to your local police officer or a member of police staff - you will be connected to the relevant person via our switchboard.
What benefits does 101 provide?
Using 101 for situations which do not require an immediate police response helps keep 999 available for when there is an emergency.
We hope introducing a simple and easy to remember number - 101 - makes it easier for people to contact us and reduces the number of inappropriate 999 calls received.
You should only call 999 when a crime is in progress or life is in danger.
How does 101 work?
Your mobile phone signal or landline area code determines which police force you are directed to. If you are calling from within one mile of a force boundary you will be given options of nearby police forces so you can choose.
Will I be put through to a national call centre?
No, all calls to Kent Police on 101 are answered by police call handlers in our Force Control Room in Maidstone, Kent. Calls may be recorded for training, development, evidential and public safety reasons.
Will 101 replace 999?
No, 101 is the national non-emergency number. 999 continues to be the number to dial when you need to report an emergency.
999 should only be used for real emergencies – when a crime is in progress, offenders are nearby, someone is injured or being threatened, a life is at risk, or there is a traffic incident involving injury or danger.
What happens if I call 101 but it is an emergency situation?
If you call 101 and we believe you need an emergency response, our trained call handlers will put you through to 999 for immediate assistance.