10 Reasons why Nottingham Police has chosen an 03 Number

This month (October 09) Nottingham Police launch their new single non-emergency phone number - 0300 300 99 99.

The new 03 number replaces the 12 individual numbers that are currently in operation across the county and was chosen following a public consultation where 96% of people agreed that one single number would make it easier to contact the force.

By using an 03 non-emergency number, Nottingham Police can smarten up the way they deal with their calls and offer their callers a free or inexpensive call.

Here are 10 reasons why Nottingham Police has chosen an 03 number:

1) The force has handpicked a highly memorable number that reflects the emergency element of their service (999).

2) 03 numbers (http://www.windsor-telecom.co.uk/03-numbers.php) meet the needs of the public as they cost the same to call

as 01/02 numbers – even from a mobile (research by one police force found that 75% of all their incoming calls are from mobiles).

3) 03 numbers are also included in the free minutes offered by mobile and landline tariffs.

4) 0300 numbers are exclusively for public bodies and not-for-profit organisations meaning they are trusted by the public.

5) It’s possible to record calls to 03 numbers for staff training purposes and dispute resolution.

6) 0300 numbers (http://www.windsor-telecom.co.uk/0300-numbers-0303-numbers.php) can easily move with the force if it relocates.

7) Callers can be queued, meaning that all important calls will be answered.

8) Like all non-geographic numbers, 03 numbers don't have traditional area codes. This is valuable for Nottingham Police which covers a

large area spanning different dialling codes and means that callers in Mansfield and Nottingham City will dial exactly the same number.

9)  Promoting a single 03 number means that the force's marketing and communications are clear and consistent.

10) Online call management solutions work alongide 03 numbers. For example, professional intro messages ("You have reached Nottingham Police") and menu options to help organisations deal with their calls ("press 1 if you know the extension number or please wait to speak to a representative etc.)

Many UK police forces now use 03 numbers (http://www.windsor-telecom.co.uk/03-numbers.php) including; the Met Police, Northants Police and Tayside Police and you only have to look at the above reasons to establish why there are becoming so incredibly popular.