Police want to improve nonemergency dealings

ON Tuesday (7.8.18) while out walking I discovered the traffic lights in Mosgiel at the railway crossing on Gordon Rd were out of action.

Being a concerned citizen, I arrived home and rang the Mosgiel Police Station, to no avail. Apparently, according to the message I got, the only way to contact the police is to ring 111 — this after trying three times.

So I thought I would ring the star555 number for traffic problems instead. After three attempts, with not even an engaged signal, I gave up.

I rang my local radio station but, yet again, no response, so I just gave up. I decided it wasn’t really worthy of a

111 call.

The police say they get far too many 111 calls.

You can see why — because it is the only way you can talk to them.

W. Petty

Mosgiel

[Police Otago Coastal area commander Inspector Matenga Gray replies:

‘‘We have looked into the issue raised but unfortunately have been unable to clarify why Mr Petty’s calls went unanswered. We apologise to Mr Petty he faced this situation.

‘‘Police are currently working to improve our level of service in nonemergency situations. We know that people who try to contact us via their local stations, telephone or online suffer an outdated and frustrating experience.

‘‘NZ Police want to be much better at this part of our job so this year we’re creating more options for the public to get in touch with us, such as online reporting [and] one nonemergency number for the whole country.

‘‘We’re interested in what the public have to say and ask that people send ideas or feedback on how we can make it easier for people to get help, advice and support from the police to haveyoursay@police.govt.nz.’’]

Octagon dancing

A LITTLE dancing brightens up your day, puts a smile on your face and gives you some exercise. Dunedin needs to loosen up and have some fun. An hour of dance music, every day at noon, in the Octagon? What do you think? Arne Leuchs

Dalmore