Smith Backs Calls for National Non-emergency Police Number

27/9/07

Margaret Smith MSP has responded to an Audit Scotland review of Police Call management in Scotland by backing calls for a national non-emergency telephone number for people needing to speak to the police.

In a statement Ms Smith said:

“The Audit Scotland report makes it clear that almost 50 per cent of 999 calls are in fact for non emergencies and that most people don’t know the most appropriate number to call in different situations.

"The inappropriate use of the 999 facility puts unnecessary strain on police resources.

“The government must support ACPOS (Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland) in developing the national non emergency number and to promote awareness of when to use 999.”