Burgled? Don’t try dialling 111

Police are preparing to launch a new, three-digit phone number in an effort to unclog the 111 emergency line.

The number will be revealed later this year and is meant for crimes that pose no immediate danger to the public – such as burglary or vandalism – and general inquiries.

Calls will be answered by operators in Auckland and staff in a new communications centre on the Ka¯piti Coast, north of Wellington. This would help weed out non-emergency calls made to the 111 service, said assistant commissioner: chief information officer Jevon McSkimming.

‘‘It’s concerning to police that over 30 per cent of demand in the emergency queue is non-emergency requirements.’’

Currently, 1.8 millon calls are taken by local police stations each year and McSkimming said the new system would see the public get a better service.

All police telephony services had seen a marked rise in calls and the new number – modelled on systems used overseas – would help keep the emergency line clear.

‘‘It keeps people out of the emergency queue and creates a greater opportunity for those with an emergency to get their call answered and answered faster.’’

Staff would be trained to identify emergency calls that callers reported to the non-emergency line.

‘‘We won’t be upset with people if they land in the wrong

‘‘It’s concerning to police that over 30 per cent of demand in the emergency queue is nonemergency requirements.’’ Jevon McSkimming