ESSEX Police is asking the public to only call 999 if it’s an emergency after our control room dealt with 1,300 999 calls yesterday.
In total, they received more than 2,000 calls on what was a really busy day.
Chief Inspector Jamie Gingell, who runs the control room, said: “The level of calls we had yesterday is on par with our busiest period over the summer and busier than at Christmas.
“Only around 20 percent of 999 calls required an immediate emergency response.
“Despite this demand, my team has worked professionally and diligently to help those people who’ve called us and I’m really proud of the work they have done.
“But we need your help to ensure we can get to those people who need our help the most as quickly as possible.
“Please only call 999 in the case of an emergency – where someone’s wellbeing is at immediate risk or the incident is ongoing.
“If it’s not an emergency then there are other, better ways to get in touch.
“If you have information about an incident or investigation that has already happened, you can also report this to us using our online reporting services: www.essex.police.uk/digital101
“If you have questions about road closures or noise nuisance or similar issues to that then please contact your local council as they are the best people to speak to about these issues.
“You can contact us using our Live chat functionality during operating hours rather than waiting on a 101 line”
“And if you’re not sure if something is a policing matter or if another organisation would be better placed to help, you can find out by visiting the Ask the Police website: https://www.askthe.police.uk/”
There’s more information on our website: https://www.essex.police.uk/police-forces/essex-police/areas/essex-police/au/about-us/help-us-help-you/
