Web chats with police in an emergency are just one option being considered as part of a new survey looking at how residents want to get in contact with officers.

A joint study between Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Constabulary has been launched to gather people’s views on the future of policing.

The survey is part of a new initiative called Connect My Police, exploring the different options for police contact.

Options being explored web forms, self-service and web chat.

TVP spokesman Tom Smith said: "We have launched a survey to find out how you would prefer to get in touch with us to report incidents and gain access to information that is important to you.

"The aim is to develop those methods which best suit the needs of our communities, complementing our main form of contact - 999 and 101."

To complete the survey, visit www.thamesvalleyalert.co.uk/OpinionGathering/c900952283fb3fc0b8d53df3a2bc08d4