not bad response time,
1. Do you use 0870 telephone numbers?
West Midlands Police do not use 0870 telephone numbers.
2. Do you use 0845 numbers?
We have a single 0845 number for non-emergency calls. If you have regular contact you are provided with the extension number to go directly through the auto attendant.
2.1. And if so, what are the equivalent geographical numbers?
This information is exempt under the terms of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. Please find enclosed the statutory exemption applicable to your request and a summary of the reasons why it has been applied. Direct dial numbers for individuals are sometimes provided to those who have regular contact with the same person.
2.1.1. What would be the telephone number for callers from outside the UK to call?
The number is 0845 113 500, which works from most countries. Where issues are identified they are referred to our supplier.
2.2. What revenue do you receive per minute and in total from the use of 0845 numbers?
West Midlands Police receive a small percentage of the inbound interconnect revenue which assists in funding additional lines rented to support the 0845 service route. This revenue varies depending on volume and types of calls. Unfortunately we are unable to provide any further information on the amount of revenue received as this is considered commercial and in confidence with our supplier.
2.3. Are you aware of the revenue collected by your telecom provider, from your callers?
No.
2.4. Have you considered the revised COI* guidelines?
2.4.1. If so, what conclusions did you come to?
This document was not considered. The COI state, as noted on the webpage you provided, that expert advice that relates to your own specific circumstances should always be sought. The circumstances of a police force are very different from the circumstances of a government department to which this guidance appears to be primarily targeted. Our single number is used for the public to report non-emergency
crimes. It is not ‘first and foremost a marketing channel’, but rather a key element in effective policing which helps West Midlands Police communicate with the public in order to reduce crime.
2.5. Do you realise that a call to local number costs the same as a call to anational number when made from the same location for the majority of telephone subscribers?
We recognise the terminology but we give callers the current local rate.
2.6. Do you realise that 0845 numbers now offer no cost advantage to callers, irrespective of their location, only disadvantages?
This is not a valid question under the Freedom of Information Act. Rather it is a statement of opinion proceeded by the phrase ‘do you realise’. Please state clearly what documents or information would satisfy your request.
2.7. Are you aware of the cost implications to your callers, when using 0845 numbers, including calls from mobile phones?
Callers are charged at their service provider rates.
2.8. How much does it cost to call an 0845 number:
2.8.1. In the Daytime.
2.8.2. In the Evening.
2.8.3. At Weekends.
This varies by service provider and package. Current rates for British Telecom can
be found on their website:
http://www.bt.com/3. What companies operate your:
3.1. 0845 telephone numbers.
Telewest Communications.
3.2. 0870 telephone numbers.
Not applicable.
3.3. Telephone switch equipment
These are operated internally, with a support contract with an outside company.
4. I would also like all the internal documents, memos; meetings; discussions and any information relating to the tender of the 0870, 0845 numbers.
This request is very broad and the cost of providing you with the information is above the amount to which we are legally required to respond, i.e. the cost of locating and retrieving the information exceeds the "appropriate level" as stated in the Freedom of Information (Fees and Appropriate Limit) Regulations 2004. Please be more specific regarding the documents or information required.
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FOI - West Mids Police (Read 21,699 times)
