The 24 Hour NMP Emergency Service - A lifeline for the community
NMP's 24 Hour Emergency Service was launched in 1983, offering free, independent and confidential support and advice for victims of racial and / or police harassment. Now in its 25th year, it is still the only one of its kind in east London.
Why we offer the Emergency Service
The Emergency Service is offered because many individuals and families have a low expectation of the police and feel that their immediate situation is simply not a priority for them. Community members initially set it up in the early 1980's after a series of violent racist attacks in East London, to which the police failed to respond effectively.
The service provides advice, legal assistance and direct practical support to victims of harassment alongside maintaining pressure on the police to respond to attacks and then monitoring their response until the case is fully dealt with. The ES plays an essential role in assisting the community because time and time again NMP has found that when the police know that NMP had been contacted, they respond differently or quicker to those reporting racial harassment.
Today, approximately 50% of NMP's casework is generated from the Emergency Service. Since the service began, it has assisted thousands of
individuals who have needed timely and practical advice either for themselves or to assist others. Advice has often been sought from
members of the public who simply wished to report an incident they had observed.
Maintained by dedicated volunteers
Out of office hours, over 100 trained and committed local volunteers maintain the Emergency Service line. A network of more experienced volunteers including solicitors and barristers in turn support these volunteers. Volunteers take calls during weekday evenings, weekends and public holidays. The volunteers use their training to offer direct support and assistance to callers during their shift before handing the case back to the office caseworkers to do any follow up work.