AN INDEPENDENT review will be carried out into how the police's non-emergency 101 number can improve.

Julia Mulligan, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire, said she has set up the review of all non-emergency forms of contact, following "regular feedback and concern from the public".

The review will also look at the North Yorkshire Police website and use of social media, as well as staffed receptions at police stations around the region, but will not include the emergency 999 service.

Mrs Mulligan said: "My job is to speak up for the people of North Yorkshire, and they have told me loud and clear that they are unhappy with the 101 system. Police forces hands are tied to a certain extent with the system being a national one, but the police need to do what they can to make it work locally for the communities of North Yorkshire.

"At the same time the review will look at other ways the public might want to contact the police. I am keen for this to be as quick and easy as possible. In the interest of the public I will publish the report as soon as possible after it has been finalised."

The 101 service was rolled out across the UK between 2011 and 2012, and is able to connect callers to any force around the country, but will automatically suggest the closest force to the caller. Calls cost a flat rate of 15 pence from landlines and mobiles regardless of the length of the call, but some members of the public have told The Press they felt repeat charges for dropped calls had cost them too much.

Mrs Mulligan said the review would also look at more services North Yorkshire Police could offer as well as the non emergency contact, including an online way to monitor the progression of an investigation.