Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen has invited residents and businesses to shape the upcoming scrutiny meeting focused on reporting crime and anti-social behaviour.
Ms Allen is encouraging the public to submit questions ahead of the next Public Accountability Meeting, which will take place on Wednesday, October 15.
The meeting will offer the public an opportunity to put questions directly to the Chief Constable and senior officers on issues relating to police contact, including the 999 and 101 services.
Ms Allen said: "How quickly and effectively we answer the public’s calls for help has been a huge mission for me since I was first elected in 2021.
"I know how much this matters to people which is why I invested £1.5m in targetted improvements.
"These focused efforts alongside continued investment have delivered faster response times and significantly reduced waiting times, with sustained performance year-on-year.
"While the teams are doing a phenomenal job, I want to do even more.
"This is why I want to hear from residents about their personal experiences of reporting crime whether it is via 999, 101 or online to understand how we can continue to deliver a first-class service.
"Your views have already driven progress, please help us to do more."
Questions must be submitted in advance and will be answered live during the meeting.
Public Accountability Meetings allow the PCC to monitor force performance against the priorities of her Police, Crime and Justice Plan, hold senior officers to account, and identify areas for improvement.
One of the key priorities under Ms Allen’s Safer Neighbourhoods pledge is to improve police response times for 101 and 999 calls.
Recent data shows that, despite a nine per cent increase in 101 calls, the average time to answer these calls has decreased by six per cent.
There has also been a 16 per cent rise in 999 calls answered within 10 seconds, and the average wait time for 999 calls has dropped by 48 per cent.
The meeting will explore the impact of continuous investment in additional call handlers and switchboard operators, the expansion of Switchboard operating times, and a Live Chat capability to provide 24-7 coverage.
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Other topics will include the effects of a new £1.5m cloud-based telephony system to address delays when calls are transferred, the transition to the Single Online Home digital reporting platform, and efforts to reduce inappropriate or non-police-related calls.
Residents are encouraged to share their experiences and raise questions about police contact services.
Questions must be submitted by 5pm on Friday, October 3, and can be sent to General.EnquiriesPCC@durham-pcc.gov.uk.
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