§ Mr. HeathTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many individuals suspected of hoax calls to the emergency services have(a) been arrested and (b) had their telephones disconnected since 22 November 2002. [85174]
§ Mr. Bob Ainsworth[holding answer 3 December 2002]: I have been told by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) that 12 people have been referred for prosecution and 168 people for disconnection for making a hoax call between 22 and 30 November 2002. Individuals whose phones have been disconnected may still face prosecution, and police are continuing to investigate hoax call cases.
§ Mr. HeathTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what criteria are used by the police to determine whether to(a) prosecute and (b) refer for disconnection those suspected of hoax calls to the emergency services. [85175]
§ Mr. Bob Ainsworth[holding answer 3 December 2002]: I have been told by the Association of Chief Police Officers that they have circulated guidance to all police forces on dealing with hoax calls referring to the importance of identifying and prosecuting offenders, and disconnecting their telephones where appropriate.