UK Non-Emergency Numbers

As discussed in a recent post, the UK has a different number to dial for emergencies and non-emergencies. These numbers may reach the same personnel, but the rules regulating why/how to reach them are quite different.

Below, you will find important numbers and details you should have handy in case you need to reach local law-enforcement or medical services during a non-emergency.

101 | Non-Emergency Law-Enforcement

To reach the police only. To report a crime not currently in progress (i.e. stolen property, public vandalism, etc.) or to make a general enquiry, dial 101¹.

If you are hearing/speech-impaired, a text phone is available by dialing 18001 101.

Here is a list of alternative non-emergency numbers directly from the police.uk website. (For business purposes, direct dial numbers should still be used.) Many police forces also have an online presence. Find your local law enforcement online for up-to-date information and alternative ways of contacting them.

Complaints with regards to dogs², fly tipping³ or vandalism should be directed to your local council, not the police.

Photo credit: West Midlands Police

Some Facts About 101

The 101 service is only available if you are dialing from within England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

Calls to 101 (from both landlines and mobile networks) cost 15 pence per call, regardless of the time of day or how long the call lasts. The 15p charge⁴ goes to the telephone providers, not the police or the government.

The system automatically determines your location to connect you to the local police department covering that area. Wait for the recorded message.

These calls are answered by officers and staff of the local police force to ensure that qualified personnel with local knowledge are responding to/dealing with the issues appropriately.

Local police have access to professional interpreters and can arrange to have a translator to assist with your call.

Photo credit: Day Donaldson, Wikipedia.

111 – The Non-Emergency Medical Number

Dial 111 to reach the NHS non-emergency number, for advice on non-life-threatening illnesses and minor injuries. The service is available nationwide 24/7. Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones. (111 replaces the former NHS Direct service.)

If you are hearing/speech-impaired, a text phone is available at 18001 111.

The NHS also has a sign-language service, available online between 8a.m. and midnight. Visit the NHS BSL service.

When you call 111, you speak to a highly trained adviser, supported by healthcare professionals. They will ask you a series of questions to assess your symptoms and direct you to the best medical care. (This is the same service as Info-Santé 811 in Quebec.)

Other Useful Links & Important Phone Numbers

• Crimestoppers | 0800 555 111
• National Security Service MI5 Anti-terrorist Hotline | 0800 789 321
• British Transport Police (railway police) | 0800 405 040
• Victim Supportline | 0808 168 9111
• Action Fraud | 0300 123 2040
• NSPCC Helpline (the leading children's charity fighting to end child abuse in the UK) | 0808 800 5000

Click here for a complete list of Numbers to dial in case of an emergency in the UK.



Sources //
NHS.uk, Police.uk, Gov.uk

Foot Notes //
¹ The effectiveness of dialing 101 seems to be contested.
² Penalty for dog fouling.
³ The illegal dumping of any waste onto a site with no licence to accept waste. Penalty for fly tipping.
⁴ Call charges for particular phone numbers.