Hello

I'm delighted to start this week's newsletter by letting you know that Sussex Police is officially the best performing force in the country for handling 999 calls.

These results are reflective of the past 90 days and the ranking is based on both the time taken to answer emergency calls and the proportion of calls that are answered within the national target of 10 seconds and under.

In Sussex, more than 95% of 999 calls have been answered within the target time. At the same time, fewer than 5% of non-emergency 101 calls have been abandoned which is a vast improvement from a few years ago when rates were high and public frustration with the service was understandably reflected by increased complaints coming in to my postbag.

As your PCC, efficient call-handling is at the heart of providing an effective police service and improving public confidence. Ultimately, when people call for the police in an emergency, they want and need a prompt and reassuring response. That's why I've made it a top priority to continuously invest in improved technology in the Force Contact, Command and Control Department (FCCCD).

This includes new call platforms, enhanced staff training and streamlining call management. I'd like to thank our dedicated call handlers, who work around the clock ensuring every call is answered effectively. Many congratulations on your efforts that have put Sussex Police in the number one spot.

I'll continue to monitor the performance of the FCCCD and will keep listening to what the public tell me matters to them. I hope you will agree that efficient call handling leads to enhanced public safety and greater trust in our police force.

Emergency Alert - this weekend

This Sunday, the Government will be testing its emergency alert system. These alerts are used to warn people when there's a danger to life nearby, including severe weather events like storms or flooding.

At around 15:00hrs, your mobile ‘phone or tablet will receive a test message, accompanied by a loud, siren-like sound and vibration that will last for about 10 seconds. This will happen even if your device is switched to silent.

It's very important that you can receive these messages. However, there may be circumstances in which you feel you should opt out – for example, if you are affected by domestic abuse and have concealed a mobile ‘phone from your abuser. You can read more about the alerts and the options you have to opt out here: www.gov.uk/alerts/opting-out

Did you know, you can also recieve Sussex specific alerts regarding what's happening in your area, crime updates and crime prevention advice by registering for Sussex Alerts?

Katy Bourne OBE
Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner