Greater Manchester Police urges people to think before they dial 101

Police urges people to think before they dial 101 with new 4 step rule

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GMP is urging the public to consider all of the options for getting in touch or finding information from them.

People are asked to consider who they call about an issue, if information is already readily available or whether they should be calling 101 or 999.

A new website with chat functionality has helped the Force give people different contact methods and they are now asking people to think before they pick up the phone.

Assistant Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine from GMP said: “At a time when we’re working to ensure we are focused on keeping people safe we are always looking to find new ways to work more efficiently and effectively. This includes looking at how we can provide access to services in the most effective way possible.

“We need to encourage people to think a little differently than they have before – calling us on 101 is often people’s go-to reaction when they need advice outside of an emergency.

"We want to help people realise that there is already lots of information out there, that sometimes there are more appropriate or specialist services available but that ultimately, we will always be on hand if someone needs us.

“We are committed to supporting the people of Greater Manchester, and want to provide the best service we possibly can. We all need to work together to achieve this.”

GMP received 1.5 million calls in the year leading up to July 2017.

They are working with local authorities, partner agencies and stakeholders and the people of Greater Manchester to continue to develop a service that "best serves everyone".

This includes changes to public enquiry counters, developments to police contact points across Greater Manchester and a new lost and found online reporting service, alongside developments to the website and the trial of a live chat function.