DORSET Police has improved its response time for answering non-emergency 101 calls with calls now taking an average of 37 seconds.

It comes after a review was launched in August following concerns raised by members of the public.

The review found that call times to 101 calls were over a minute in August but are now an average of 37 seconds.

The Force had encountered difficulties answering non-emergency calls promptly due to delays in new recruits starting and the roll-out of new technology.

Jane Jennings, Head of Contact Services, said: “We are pleased to announce response times to the non-emergency 101 service have improved in Dorset in recent months and this reinforces our commitment to improving contact with our communities.

“No matter where you are in England and Wales, if you need to contact the police for a non-urgent issue simply dial 101.

“The 101 number is easy to remember and I would like to remind members of the public that this is the number to call if they would like to get in touch with officers from their Safer Neighbourhood Teams.

“As ever, in an emergency where life is in danger or a crime is in progress you should always dial 999.”

Members of the public should call 101 to contact the police to report less urgent crime and disorder. People should call 999 in an emergency.