When and how to contact the Police
There are more ways of reporting non-emergency crime and anti-social behaviour through the digital 101 service on website.
You can also use the service to contact your local policing team, tell them about something you have seen or heard, or request information.
There is also the Live Chat service which is available on the website 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can send and receive real-time messages with an online operator.
The 24-hour 101 service which people can call if they feel it is more appropriate to speak to Essex Police or don’t have access to the internet.
Always call 999 if a serious offence is in progress or has just been committed, someone is in immediate danger or harm, property is in danger or being damaged, or a serious disruption to the public is likely.
If you have a hearing or speech impairment, use the textphone service 18000.
Or text on 999 if you’ve pre-registered with the emergencySMS service.
British Sign Language (BSL) users please use the video relay service where an interpreter will help you report the crime.
If you’re in danger but you can’t talk on the phone, you should still call 999, then follow these instructions depending on whether you’re calling from a mobile or a landline.