Humberside Police are urging the public to use the correct channels when contacting them over the busy Bank Holiday weekend to ensure genuine emergencies are prioritised.
As the Bank Holiday weekend arrives, bringing warm weather and a chance for people across Humberside to enjoy time outdoors at the seaside, parks, festivals, or gatherings, police are preparing for a busy period.
Humberside Police have issued guidance to the public regarding the various ways to contact them, urging people to ensure that genuine emergencies are prioritised during what is traditionally a high-demand weekend.
The Force Control Room will be working behind the scenes to ensure public safety, respond to emergencies, and support frontline officers in keeping communities safe. The force expects a higher volume of calls over the weekend and has stated that their teams are prepared to offer advice and guidance when needed.
Luke Shaw, Head of the Force Control Room, said:
"Bank holidays are a time for people to relax, enjoy themselves, and spend time with loved ones. While the majority of people are out having fun, our teams in the Force Control Room are working hard to ensure that emergency calls are responded to swiftly and efficiently. We’re here around the clock to support our communities. All we ask is that people think about whether they need police assistance before calling, so we can focus on those who need us most. There are a lot of ways to contact us depending on the situation, whether it’s emergency 999 calls, non-urgent reports through 101, or online contact for advice or to report a crime that is not ongoing. Lost property might be upsetting, but it’s not an emergency, whereas someone in danger or a crime in progress requires an urgent 999 response. If you’re unsure whether to call, you can check our guidance online or ask Bobbi, our virtual assistant, who will help direct you to the right option."
Humberside Police are reminding residents that the 999 emergency number should only be used if someone’s life is in danger, a crime is in progress, or there is an immediate risk to public safety.
The force warned that calling 999 for non-emergencies could delay crucial help for someone in a genuine crisis.
For situations that are not urgent, there are several alternative ways to get support. The public can call 101 for non-urgent police matters, such as reporting a crime after it has happened or seeking advice.
Additionally, incidents can be reported online via the police.uk website. Humberside Police also offer a virtual agent named Bobbi, which is available in the bottom right corner of their website to help guide users to the right service or information quickly.
The police also provided specific advice on what to do in the event of an accidental 999 call, which can occur as a misdial or a pocket dial.
If this happens, the force requests that callers stay on the line and let the operator know it was a mistake. If a call is disconnected before speaking to an operator, the team must treat it as a potential emergency. This means staff will need to spend valuable time calling the number back to confirm the caller is safe.
By staying on the line and confirming the error, the public can help resolve the situation quickly and ensure that emergency resources remain available for those in genuine need.
Finally, Humberside Police clarified that issues such as noise complaints, stray animals, and other non-police concerns should be reported directly to local authorities or the relevant local councils rather than the police.
The force hopes that by following this guidance, everyone can enjoy their weekend safely while making the right call when reaching out for help.
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