STAFFORDSHIRE Police say extra staff have been taken on to ensure calls are answered quickly in the coming months.
An additional 15 contact centre workers have been recruited ahead of what is traditionally the busiest time of the year.
Figures reveal that the force is currently answering 88% of 999 calls within ten seconds – with an average time of 8.83 seconds – and has handled an additional 901 emergency calls compared to the previous 12 months.
Since May last year, the average time to answer 101 calls has reduced to less than four minutes and has been under two minutes for the last six months.
Chief Constable Becky Riggs said:
“Our contact centre is one of the most critical parts of our service, acting as the main link between our communities and frontline officers in times of need.
“Over the past 12 months, we have worked hard to improve our contact performance to meet growing demand. However, we recognise there is more to do, and continued investment is essential if we are to provide the best possible service to victims.
“This additional investment will ensure we have more staff available during the summer period, when demand is at its peak.”
Staffordshire Commissioner Ben Adams said:
“Improving contact with Staffordshire Police remains a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan so I welcome the force’s determination to maintain a full complement of trained contact professionals to respond to the public around the clock.
“When our communities call the police to report crime or anti-social behaviour, they expect their calls to be answered quickly and for their issues to be dealt with effectively.
“Just as importantly, once people have made contact with the police, they expect to be kept updated about how their issue is progressing.”
