THE CRIME commissioner spent a Friday night observing 999 call handlers.

Donna Jones met with control room staff, firearm-trained officers who deploy armed teams and those running the motorway desk.

Ms Jones listened in on calls from the public asking for help - including domestic abuse incidents.

She even heard from someone calling asking about the hosepipe ban as she listened in on both 101 and 999 calls.

She said: “Hampshire Constabulary is currently advertising vacancies for call handlers and controllers and I wanted to meet the people who are responsible for first contact with the public to get an insight into their challenging and rewarding role.

“Policing is a career like no other. It certainly has its challenges, but I saw courage, resilience, teamwork and compassion on my visit and I know those who work in the control room and contact centre taking calls and deploying officers make a real difference to the communities they serve.

“Part of my police and crime plan outlines my commitment to improving the 101 service. I know that police are under pressure to answer calls from the public and I know that call waiting times and limited feedback to crime reports are a real issue for people.

“As Commissioner, I am doing everything I can to work with senior officers to improve the service. Part of that is ensuring the teams are fully staffed to deal with the demand, that’s both calls and online reports. The Constabulary is currently recruiting controllers and contact management centre officers.

“No two days are the same, it’s a tough but rewarding job and an important frontline role that we need to get right in order to deliver the best service to the public.”

Councillor Matt Renyard, Cabinet Member for a Safer City at Southampton City Council, added: “Call handlers provide vital assistance and reassurance to people in their time of need, including members of public who may feel scared or vulnerable as well as in emergency situations.

“We strive for Southampton to be a place of safety and sanctuary for those that live, work and visit our great city and welcome this recruitment drive to help ensure the level of service that the public expects. The council works closely with the Police and Crime Commissioner as well as Hampshire Constabulary through the Safe City Partnership, and I encourage anyone who thinks they might have what it takes to apply for one of these roles.”