The Queen undertook a significant visit to the Avon and Somerset Police headquarters in Portishead, Bristol, on Thursday, where she gained firsthand insight into the critical work of emergency call handlers. Camilla listened intently to a real-life 999 call during her tour of the police control room, focusing on efforts to combat domestic abuse.
An Immersive Experience in the Control Room
In the bustling emergency call environment, Camilla sat at a control room desk, donning headphones to hear a pre-recorded conversation. This call involved a woman reporting that she had spotted an ex-partner on her property, with the audio extract serving both operational and training purposes. The Queen peered at three large screens displaying location mapping and call guidance scripts, absorbing the complex dynamics of emergency response.
Learning from Call Handlers
Call handler Jasmine Cox guided Camilla through the process, explaining the challenges of managing such distressing situations. Miss Cox emphasised the importance of keeping callers safe and calm, stating, "It can be extremely stressful and upsetting. It’s about keeping them calm and speaking to them." Camilla responded thoughtfully, remarking, "So just keep talking," highlighting her engagement with the critical nature of the work.
The Queen was informed that the force receives a staggering 34,000 domestic abuse calls annually, a figure she described as "horrifying" and "far too many." She praised the team's dedication, noting, "Sometimes people must be very frightened so it must be difficult getting information out of them." Camilla added, "It’s fascinating to see it and horrifying how many calls come in," underscoring the scale of the issue.
Insights into Safety Protocols
During the visit, Camilla learned about advanced safety protocols used by call handlers. These include techniques to track callers when it is unsafe for them to speak openly, such as the ability to press 55 on the phone to alert handlers discreetly. Miss Cox shared a poignant anecdote about receiving a thank-you note from a woman she assisted, who was unable to verbalise her address during the call. Camilla commended this effort, saying, "My goodness. They’re taking these calls all the time aren’t they? You’re doing a brilliant job."
Meeting Key Figures
The Queen was greeted at the headquarters by Chief Constable Sarah Crew and Superintendent Sharon Baker, a domestic abuse survivor who established a network to support colleagues facing similar experiences. Ms Baker, who appeared in the ITV documentary Her Majesty The Queen: Behind Closed Doors, has worked closely with Camilla to highlight these issues over the past year.
Camilla's Longstanding Advocacy
This visit aligns with Camilla's longstanding advocacy for survivors of sex attacks and domestic abuse, a commitment spanning many years. It was recently revealed that she fought off a man who attacked her on a train during her teenage years, adding a personal dimension to her support for victims. No further details were disclosed about the specific call Camilla listened to, respecting the confidentiality of such cases.
The Queen's engagement comes amid broader royal family challenges, including ongoing scandals related to the King's brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, and revelations from millions of US documents concerning his associate Jeffrey Epstein. However, Camilla's focus remained firmly on supporting police efforts and raising awareness about domestic abuse, demonstrating her dedication to this vital cause.
