Commissioner responds to Performance Data for 999 Calls

“The national performance figures for 999 calls show that call-handling times in North Yorkshire are simply not good enough. My Office is already working closely with the Chief Constable and Force Control Room to address the main challenges and set out ways to deliver significant improvements. When people call 999 they are often at their most vulnerable and most frightened. The Chief knows that we must ensure we support every caller at this time and not keep them waiting – and she also knows that I will hold her to account for improving the service.

 “My monthly public accountability meetings are already monitoring call-handling performance closely, with the aim of delivering a step change in our 999 and 101 services as a priority. We will next look at this aspect of police service, at the next meeting on Thursday 23 June. It’s important that I pay tribute to hard-working colleagues dedicated to their key roles in the control room, whose work saves lives and keeps people safe – but the Chief knows that I expect to see positive and swift progress made to the overall service.

 At the same time, I also want to understand how people in North Yorkshire and York feel about the 999 service they receive. Any questions or comments anyone would like to make can be sent before or even during my next public accountability meeting. The meetings are live-streamed online and can be viewed at any time via my website.”

Have your say 

In the meantime, Commissioner Zoe is also encouraging residents and businesses in North Yorkshire and York to share their experiences of calling 999 or 101 – as well as preferences for other ways of contacting the police – by completing a survey which will help her to shape future plans for this service. This national survey closes on Sunday 26 June. Have your say on contacting 999 and 101 in North Yorkshire and York by going to www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/CrimeReporting-National-Public-Contact-Survey-APCC