About Us
101 Programme
101 is a 24-hour number provided police and local councils which gives the public direct access to advice, information and effective action on community safety issues, including certain non-emergency crime, policing and anti-social behaviour.
The 101 service was piloted in five areas across England and Wales. A full evaluation of the service has been completed and the Home Office acknowledges the many benefits achieved by the five pilot areas and the commitment to improving services that these achievements represent. It is hoped that the lessons learned about effective partnership working and improved access and quality of service in dealing with community safety issues will be mainstreamed into local operations wherever possible.
However, it is vital that Home Office resources are targeted where they will have the greatest impact and which will contribute most to the protection of the public and security of the country. The Home Office took the decision not to continue to directly fund the live 101 operations but to continue to provide funding for the national 101 telephony routing infrastructure. This funding ensures that the 101 number remains available for use by local areas wishing to maintain or develop their own locally funded service. This was a difficult decision taken in the context of significant pressures and competing policing and security priorities.
The 101 service is live in 3 areas across England and Wales: Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Cardiff and Sheffield.
The London Partnership is currently running a pilot of the 101 service in two London Boroughs: Waltham Forest and Barking and Dagenham. The pilot is the first step to understanding public and partner appetite for a 101 service in London.
The Home Office has developed a 101 Delivery Toolkit which provides details of the evaluation and lessons learned from the service to date. It also gives guidance, example documentation and supporting material to help areas explore, implement and operate the 101 service locally.
For further information about 101 or if you would like a copy of the 101 Delivery Toolkit please email Kerry Charlesworth.
