High level of 999 calls

As demand on our emergency 999 number continues to be high, we're asking you to call it if it's an emergency.

On average, only 20% of the thousands of 999 calls we have received this weekend have required an emergency response.

Our control room has seen over 7000 calls so far this weekend as police forces across the country continue to see an increased demand. Yesterday, our call handlers dealt with a total of 1850 calls with 1288 of those coming to 999.

Despite the huge demand, our Contact Handlers were able to answer all 999 calls in an average time of 6.03 seconds.

Chief Inspector Jamie Gingell, from our Contact Management Team said:

“Our team is working non-stop and I’m so proud of the effort they have put in, particularly in these challenging temperatures.

“The focus of the work we do in the control room and across Essex Police is to provide support to the public when they need it the most.

"We analyse the daily calls we are receiving and unfortunately, we are still in the position where only 20% of the 999 calls we get through to 999, require an immediate emergency response.

“999 is what you need to call if there is an immediate threat to life, or crime occurring here and now.

"If there is not, then we are asking you to use the other contact methods available to you, and where there isn’t a need for a police response straight away to consider reporting your crime, or other information you want to provide to us, via our online routes.

"As well as this, if your call relates to a medical matter or other type of emergency then please use the most appropriate emergency service, who are best placed to support you.

“This consideration allows us to focus on incidents where someone needs help immediately, so we can help people, keep people safe and catch criminals.”

If you are considering calling 999 today, we would request that you please consider the following before dialling:

• Is this a police issue or is another service better suited?

• Is the information already on our website? Please check online: www.essex.police.uk

• Has a crime already happened and you want to report it or you have information about an incident? Report it online or via Live Chat: www.essex.police.uk/digital101

• Do you want to share some information with us or speak to someone specific? Call our non-emergency 101 number

• Is it an emergency? Is a crime happening right now, or is life or property at risk? Call 999