Force answers 999 calls faster after concerns

The annual police and crime commissioner report found 999 call answering times had dropped from 11 to three seconds

Emergency 999 calls are being answered faster, thanks to "transformational" changes at a police force, a report has said.

In 2024/25, 999 calls to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary were answered within three seconds on average, down from 11 seconds in 2023/24, according to the annual police and crime commissioner (PCC) report.

It comes after a police effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy (Peel) report raised concerns that the force did not answer calls "in a timely way".

HM Inspectorate of Constabularies and Fire & Rescue Services said the force did not always act as quickly as it should but he was "pleased" it was being addressed with an increase in call handlers.

The PCC report showed that in 2024/25, 93.21% of 999 calls were answered - a 13% increase from the previous year.

The wait time for people calling 101 also dropped, from an average of nearly 10 minutes and 24 seconds in 2023/24 to two minutes and 50 seconds in 2024/25.

It said the figures represented a "transformational improvement", adding: "The number of abandoned calls has dropped by two thirds, significantly improving public access and confidence."

Improving access to policing was a priority for the police and crime commissioner, said the report.

It added: "The PCC commended the constabulary's constructive and proactive response to challenge and scrutiny.

"These improvements show a real shift in performance culture and a strong commitment to putting the public first in every contact."