Devon and Cornwall Police is introducing a new interactive voice response service for 101 non-emergency calls.
The Force says it will provide a better quality of service for users, help improve call waiting times, and reduce demand on the force contact centre.
Anyone calling 101 can still speak to a call handler, it is only how you get to speak to the call handler that has changed.
The options people will hear have been selected after consultation with members of the public. Around a quarter of calls to the police are for information only and not police-related matters – reports of lost property, fly tipping, stray dogs, noisy neighbours or inconsiderately parked vehicles - the new service will provide information for some of these calls and direct them to other agencies or online services who can help.
The Force can also be contacted online including WebChat, Report Crime Online and Email 101 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Procedures when calling 999 will not change.
Anyone wanting to give feedback to the Crime Commissioner on the new service should email [email protected], contact us online at devonandcornwall-pcc.gov.uk or call 01392 225555.