Devon & Cornwall Police Urge 999 Use for True Emergencies Only

Devon and Cornwall Police are issuing a critical plea to residents and visitors across the two counties: reserve the 999 emergency line exclusively for genuine, life-threatening incidents during the bustling Christmas and New Year period. This urgent appeal comes as the force anticipates one of its busiest times of the year, spanning from Christmas Eve through to New Year’s Day, a period historically marked by a surge in calls.

The police force is keen to highlight the significant strain placed on its emergency control rooms by inappropriate calls. In the previous festive season (2022), Devon and Cornwall Police received a staggering 15,229 999 calls and 28,683 101 calls. A concerning statistic revealed that approximately 20% of these 999 calls were not genuine emergencies, translating to around 200 non-emergency calls every single day. These inappropriate calls ranged from inquiries about shop opening times or directions to requests for lifts, or even reporting non-urgent crimes.

Superintendent Adrian Leisk, head of roads policing and lead for contact and demand, underscored the severe implications of this misuse. He stressed that every non-emergency call to 999 diverts vital resources and call handlers away from individuals facing immediate danger or serious threats. This delay can have dire consequences for those in genuine peril, potentially impacting response times to critical incidents such as crimes in progress, threats to life, or serious injuries. The force’s dedicated staff work tirelessly under immense pressure, and inappropriate calls add unnecessary stress and hinder their ability to protect the most vulnerable members of the community.

To mitigate this issue, the police are reminding the public of alternative contact methods for non-emergencies. Residents in Devon and Cornwall are urged to utilise the 101 non-emergency number for reporting crimes that are not ongoing or for seeking general advice. Additionally, the force’s comprehensive website, devon-cornwall.police.uk, offers an online reporting facility and an online chat service for less urgent inquiries. This community-focused initiative aims to ensure that police resources are efficiently allocated, safeguarding the well-being of everyone in the region during the festive celebrations.

(Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgjzv66ej5o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss)