Force launches campaign to help keep emergency lines available for those who need them the most

Dorset Police is reminding the public how to access the right support at the right time as part of its new Making the Right Call campaign.

So far this summer calls to our contact centres have increased by a third and approximately 20 per cent of all calls received by the Force weren’t a police matter and should have been made to other agencies to deal with.

The Making the Right Call campaign highlights situations where another organisation may be better placed to help, including local authorities for issues such as noise nuisance, fly-tipping, parking issues on council-managed roads and some environmental concerns.

Other calls that are incorrectly made to us include issues for utility providers such as power cuts, water supply problems and gas emergencies, NHS services for medical advice and treatment, and public transport issues, such as trains or buses being delayed.

Superintendent Stuart Pitman, of the Force Command Centre, said: “We want to reassure our communities that we are here when they need us, particularly in emergencies and situations where a crime is in progress or people are at risk of harm.

“However, we know that it can sometimes be difficult for people to determine which organisation is best placed to help with a particular issue. Our Making the Right Call campaign is designed to provide clear guidance and help people access the right service first time.

“Every day, our contact handlers receive a wide range of calls and reports, many of which are not a policing matter and could be dealt with more effectively by another agency or through alternative reporting methods.

“By calling the appropriate agency first time, members of the public can often get the support they need quicker while helping to keep our emergency lines available for genuine emergencies. Help us to help you by making the right call.”

You can report crime, information and intelligence online by visiting our website: Contact us | Dorset Police. All reports made online are picked up by the same 101 team working in our contact centres. Alternatively, if you do not have access to the internet or wish to speak in person with someone, you can call our 101 team for non-emergency enquiries.

You can also visit our enquiry offices in person at Bournemouth, Weymouth and Blandford – for opening times, please visit: Find a police station | Dorset Police.

Always call 999 if there is a danger to life or crime in progress.