Avon and Somerset Police have come under heavy scrutiny after failing to meet emergency response time targets, leaving vulnerable callers waiting dangerously long for assistance. A recent investigation revealed that nearly a third of high-priority 999 calls were not answered within the target time of 10 minutes.
Critical Failures in Emergency Response
Data obtained by the Independent shows that between April and December 2023, only 68% of Grade 1 emergency calls—those requiring immediate response to incidents like violent crimes or life-threatening situations—were attended within the 10-minute window. This falls far short of the national target of 90%.
Impact on Public Safety
The delays have raised serious concerns about public safety, particularly for victims of domestic violence and other urgent cases. One harrowing case involved a domestic abuse victim who waited over 30 minutes for officers to arrive, despite the call being flagged as a Grade 1 emergency.
Police Acknowledge 'Unacceptable' Performance
Chief Constable Sarah Crew admitted the force's performance was "unacceptable" and attributed the delays to a combination of high demand, staff shortages, and inefficient resource allocation. "We are fully aware of the impact these delays have on our communities and are taking immediate steps to address them," she said.
Planned Improvements
The force has outlined a recovery plan, including:
- Recruiting additional call handlers and frontline officers
- Implementing new dispatch technology to prioritize urgent cases
- Increasing overtime to cover peak demand periods
However, critics argue that these measures may not be enough to restore public trust without significant long-term investment in policing resources.
