Hove MP calls Sussex Police phone system ‘not fit for purpose’

Mike Weatherley, the MP for Hove, is calling on Sussex Police to review its 101 non-emergency number.

He described the automated system as obstructive and said that it wasn’t fit for purpose as it prevents crimes from being reported.

The Conservative MP has written to Martin Richards, the Chief Constable of Sussex, to raise his concerns.

He said that it presented problems for anyone calling via a switchboard and for anyone calling from outside the county.

Mike Weatherley

Mr Weatherley said that he contacted the chief constable after residents raised concerns with him.

He said that he also found that he was unable to get through to the force using 101 from his House of Commons office when he wanted to report a crime.

Mr Weatherley said: “It’s quite understandable that residents may wish to get through to their local police force when they are not actually in the area or perhaps contact a police force somewhere else in the country.

“However, the present automated system is downright obstructive.

“A series of unhelpful options and long pauses leave callers unable to connect to who they are trying to contact.

“Frustrated at not being able to get through to the right place, I hung up.”