Police urge the public to help keep 999 available for those who need it the most

Police services are currently experiencing unprecedented levels of demand for this time of year, resulting in longer waiting times than would ordinarily be expected.

On top of that, the police have seen a large increase in 999 calls which aren’t emergencies.

In June, the Force received over 31,000 calls to 999, an increase of nearly 13% compared with June 2025. Of these 999 calls 3,473 resulted in an emergency response. This means that approximately 75% of 999 calls did not result in an emergency deployment.

The increase in demand has been sustained since May and is expected to continue throughout the summer months due to a combination of factors, including warmer weather, major sporting events and higher levels of tourism in the area.

As emergency and non-emergency demand continues to rise, the public is being asked to play a vital role in helping officers and staff respond to those who need support most urgently by choosing the right way to contact the police.

Police Staff Commander Lucy Baillie said: “We are asking the public to help us keep police services available for those who need them most by using the right contact method for the right situation.

“Please only call 999 in a genuine emergency – when there is an immediate threat to life, a crime is in progress, or urgent police attendance is required.

“For non-emergency matters, there are a number of alternatives available, including reporting incidents online through our website, visiting a local police front office, or contacting us via 101. Callers to 101 can also take advantage of our call-back service, which allows them to keep their place in the queue without having to remain on hold.

“We would also encourage people to consider whether their issue is a police matter. Concerns such as noise complaints, fly-tipping, parking issues and many housing matters are often the responsibility of local councils or other agencies.

“By using the right service for the right issue, our communities can make a real difference, helping us focus our resources where they are needed most and ensuring we can respond quickly to those facing genuine emergencies."

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said: “Our contact centre and control room staff work tirelessly behind the scenes, answering hundreds of calls every day, assessing risk and making crucial decisions to ensure officers are deployed where they are needed most urgently.

"They are often the first point of contact for people in distress and play a vital role in keeping our communities safe.

“The vast majority of people use the service appropriately, but the reality is that every unnecessary 999 call can delay help reaching someone facing a genuine emergency. That is why I am encouraging everyone to use the appropriate method to get the help they need.

“I would also like to thank our contact centre staff for their professionalism, dedication and compassion in what is an incredibly demanding role, particularly during the busy summer months.”

When emergency and non-emergency services are used incorrectly, it can have a real impact on those who need urgent help. Every inappropriate 999 call takes time away from call handlers and officers who may need to respond to someone at immediate risk. This can lead to longer waiting times, delayed responses, and increased pressure on resources.

Communities can play a vital role in making the right call to help police keep services available for those who need them most by:

• Only calling 999 in a genuine emergency
• Reporting non-urgent matters on our website
• If calling 101, making use of the 101 call-back service where available
• Contacting the correct organisation for issues such as noise complaints, fly-tipping, parking concerns, housing disputes, or environmental matters
• Reporting incidents with clear and accurate information to help officers assess and prioritise responses
• Sharing public awareness messages with family, friends and local community groups
• By making the right call and using the right service at the right time, everyone can help ensure police resources remain focused on protecting people, preventing harm, and responding quickly when emergencies occur