Here's how to contact police (From South Wales Argus)

Here's how to contact police

11:53am Friday 8th June 2012 in Letters

I WAS concerned to read about the difficulties your correspondent A E Haywood (June 6 ) experienced when trying to contact an officer at Newport central police station by telephone recently. Can I explain our procedure for ensuring telephone callers are given the best possible service from Gwent police?

There are several ways of contacting us by telephone. The easiest is dial 101, the non-emergency number for police throughout the UK. This costs 15 pence from most landlines, although a small number of people may find their provider charges more.

Our switchboard number is 01633 838111. Ask for the individual officer or staff member you need and our call taker will stay on the line while you are transferred. If there is no reply, or a voicemail message is received, after six rings, the call taker will come back on the line and help you. This could involve taking a message for an officer or giving information to you.

I am most disappointed to hear that there was no-one on the front desk when your correspondent paid a visit, and that there was not a prompt response to the bell. I agree that personal callers to our police stations which offer front counter service should be met with a friendly, courteous and efficient member of staff. I am instructing all staff to ensure that this happens in future.

Carmel Napier, Chief Constable, Gwent Police