Essex Police launch SMS text query & information service
Link: News - Essex Police NewsLine
Essex Police has gone live with a new text messaging service. This service does not replace 999 which should continue to be used for all emergencies.
Text messaging offers an alternative method of contacting the police to make routine enquiries, to seek or give information, or get advice. The service is particularly aimed at those who have speech or hearing difficulties and may find voice communication problematical. It is also aimed at young people who are avid text communicators and adept at its use.
The number to be used to contact Essex Police by text is:
07624 800 101
Chief Superintendent Sue Harrison, Head of Essex Police Communications Division, said: “This is an alternative method of contacting Essex Police. We are offering this service to those who regularly use text messaging and may prefer to use that rather than make a voice call. It does not replace the 999 emergency number which should still be used for urgent calls.”
Good, that’s at least two county Police forces that I know off providing such a facility!
“07624 800 101″. you are kidding me!? who is it who thinks these things up! I have never heard anything so ridiculous. Did they ring up one of the networks and say “hi, we’d like to rent the most useless and forgetful number you have please”.
steve
Posted by steve procter on December 4th, 2006 at 6:24 pm.You’d think if it was “supported” (I wonder, do they mean “sponsered”?) by O2 they’d have a shortcode!
Posted by dan lane on December 5th, 2006 at 1:39 am.O2’s biscuit tin where they keep a few lose fivers for sponsoring good causes has obviosuly run dry. shall we have a whip round for them!? Blimey, even iTAGG could have stretched to letting the police have a free keyword on the much more memorable shared 60300 shortcode.
Oh and I also like CS harrison’s line that 999 is for “urgent” calls. What happened to the word “emergency”. It is urgent that I get Tiddles down from the tree before Eastenders starts, but is this really what 999 is for!? The whole strategy that is being rumoured about having different numbers (and now text too) for non-emergency really is gonna confuse the hell out of the UK public. Remember, this laps up ITV programming (Monday 9pm) that turn real life serious crimes into a piece of shite fiction!! (no I didn’t watch it but that was how it was billed).
steve
Posted by steve procter on December 5th, 2006 at 11:37 am.Hmm, in a plot thickening moment.. it’s supported by O2, but that’s a Manx number. Yes I know Tyntec are in cahoots with O2 to help them supply UK long numbers, and Manx is owned by O2, but yeah.
Wonder how much Essex have planned to make off the inbound, assuming they’ve got a revenue share deal?
Posted by Alex on December 5th, 2006 at 12:11 pm.A shortcode? Think of the possibilites..
Thx 4 txting SX police! UR now sub 2 r weekly ‘crazy frog sings police sirens’ ringtone service @ £3/week until u reply STOP.
Posted by Alex on December 5th, 2006 at 12:13 pm.last sentence above should say…Remember, this UK PUBLIC laps up ITV programming (Monday 9pm) that turn real life serious crimes into a piece of shite fiction!! (no I didn’t watch it but that was how it was billed).
Posted by steve procter on December 5th, 2006 at 1:34 pm.