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# Appeal over 999 use as police experience increased number of calls
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/appeal-over-999-use-as-police-experience-increased-number-of-calls/
- Published: 2026-04-03T05:59:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-04-02T20:49:08.000Z
- Description: Police are urging people to only use 999 in a genuine emergency after an increase in calls.
- Author: Lichfield Live
- Tags: #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-07-22 18:11, News

POLICE are urging people to only use 999 in a genuine emergency after an increase in calls.

More than 4,000 calls have been received by operators at Staffordshire Police in two days – levels usually only seen in peak summer months.

Demand is expected to be high again across the bank holiday weekend, with officers urging people to ensure calls are only in cases of emergency.

Chief Superintendent Gemma Ward said:

> “We pride ourselves on answering emergency calls for service quickly and being there when people need us.  
>  
> “As we have experienced a peak in the number of calls, we’re urging people to only call 999 if there’s a genuine emergency and consider appropriate alternative ways to contact us to report non-emergency incidents.  
>  
> “We always prioritise emergency calls on our 999 line, but we’ve also invested heavily into effective triage of non-emergency calls that come in through our 101 and live chat function, where specialist call takers can signpost your call to the most appropriate team and agency to deal with your situation.   
>  
> “By prioritising the most urgent calls, we can quickly deploy officers to help those in imminent danger, prevent harm and stop criminal offences at the earliest opportunity.”