Essex Police Authority chairman Robert Chambers has been branded "irresponsible" by urging residents to call 999 if they need a police officer even in non-emergencies.
An Essex Police communications officer, who asked to remain anonymous, said it was irresponsible to ask people dissatisfied with the police call service to dial 999. It could block real emergency calls.
She said: "If there has been an accident on a motorway, or an animal straying on the carriageway, the 999 system goes wild with calls. Obviously these take priority over the non-emergency calls and therefore they are kept waiting for an answer."
Mr Chambers, who urged residents to call him on his home or mobile numbers if they received poor service, could not be contacted on the phone last night.
Published Friday July 30, 2004
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article