Sharjah sets up non-emergency hotline

Police launch 901 number to try to minimise negative impact of non-emergency calls being handled by the 999 number.

SHARJAH // A hotline for non-emergency calls, 901, was launched by the police command centre on Tuesday.

The new line was set up in an attempt to divert non-emergencies from the dedicated 999 emergency line.

The new dedicated number operates 24/7 and staff are ready to respond to any questions about 75 Sharjah Police services, as well as to receive reports and complaints from residents.

Brigadier Saif Al Zari Shamsi urged residents to use the new number and said the launch was timed for the start of Ramadan, so any disturbances during the Holy Month can be reported.

The line has numbered options and there are auto responses available as well as the option to reach the operator directly to lodge their request or complaint, said Lieutenant Colonel Jassim Sweidi, director of the command centre.

“Previously, the 999 line received many calls that are not urgent. Some residents called to inquire about the phone number of another government bodies or institutes, while others called to report motorists parked in an illegal or wrong way” said Lt Col Sweidi, adding that such calls hindered emergency services attending proper emergencies.

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