NEW figures have revealed West Mercia Police is among the best in the country for how quickly 999 calls are answered.
Data published on Tuesday (May 31) as part of the Government’s Beating Crime Plan cover the period from November 1 last year to April 30, 2022 and show West Mercia Police is one of the fastest nationally.
The league table shows during this period it answered 999 calls on average in 11.7 seconds and 78 per cent of these were picked up in under 10 seconds.
Police chiefs said West Mercia’s own internal figures from April 2021 to March 2022 showed 92 per cent of calls were answered within ten seconds of being transferred from the BT operator.
Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Jones said: “Most people only ever contact police on 999 when it as an absolute emergency and in a time of need; the public need to know they can rely on us and have confidence when they do ring 999 their call is answered as quickly as possible.
“We’re pleased our own data shows us that between April 2021 and March 2022 92% of 999 calls transferred to West Mercia Police are answered within ten seconds.
“We know there are always improvements that can be made and we will continue to support BT and work together to be as efficient as possible in our call response time and improve the overall experience for members of the public calling 999.”
“I recognise some people may be concerned whether they should be dialling 999 or not. My message to the public is always call 999 if a serious offence is in progress or has just been committed; if there is a threat to someone’s life, or they are in immediate danger or harm, or if property is in danger of being damaged; or if a serious disruption to the public is likely.
“If it is less urgent, and a police matter and you are able to, you can report this via our online reporting form on our website or by dialling 101.”
West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said “Knowing you will receive a fast response in an emergency situation is vital for our communities to be safe and feel safe.
“The control room staff do a commendable job, providing a professional and efficient service when faced with increasingly high demand.”
