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!