‘Vast majority’ of non emergency calls now answered within 30 seconds

 Non emergency calls to the Police Service Centre (PSC) are now being answered within 30 seconds in around 94 per cent of occasions.

Cambridgeshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Sir Graham Bright has welcomed the significant improvements and will visit the PSC in Thorpe Wood, Peterborough, next week to meet staff and find out more about how the service has been turned around.

The unit was set up several years ago to deal with non emergency calls which now come through when members of the public dial 101. Since his election Sir Graham has taken a keen interest in ensuring improvements have been made to the service.

Sir Graham said: “It’s a huge success story that in the vast majority of cases calls are now being picked up quickly.

“I used to hear complaints from members of the public that it was taking far too long to get through to someone. That was unacceptable. The public’s ability to access the police at any time is crucial. I want every member of the public to have a police officer in their pocket via their mobile phone.

“I am pleased to say that almost everywhere I go now, people are full of praise for the service. The Chief Constable and his team have clearly worked very hard to see these concerns addressed.

“I am looking forward to finding out more about how the service has been transformed, including meeting the staff who have helped make it happen.”

The visit will take place from 2pm until 4pm on Thursday, August 15.