Police improve emergency call response times

Devon and Cornwall Police has said it has made strides in improving response times for emergency and non-emergency calls.

In 2024, 94.2% of 999 calls were answered within 10 seconds, a 5.8% increase from 2023, it said.

The force also said the average wait time for 101 calls in the second half of 2024 was three minutes and 43 seconds, nearly 27 minutes faster than the same period in 2023.

Assistant Chief Constable Nikki Leaper said the improvement was more than a "blip" and would be sustained.

His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services said in 2022 the force did not answer or respond to emergency or non-emergency calls within adequate timeframes, and too many calls were abandoned.

Last September, it closed a cause of concern on the force's call-handling performance, acknowledging the significant and sustainable progress made.

Ms Leaper said "rapid improvements" in call handling were "proof of the continued hard work and dedication of officers and staff".

She told BBC Radio Devon: "We've got skilled people that can take those calls and deliver the service that's needed.

"[It] isn't a blip.

"It's sustainable, we've shown that performance, and we can now deliver what the service should be for our communities."

Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said she was "delighted" an increase in council tax for police was "finally paying dividends".

"However, we cannot be complacent and I will work with the chief constable to ensure that the service improvements continue," she said.

The force said it had also collaborated with the NHS and social care providers to ensure people with mental health issues received appropriate support.

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