Public invited to have their say on Police call centre review

HMICS_consultation
THE GENERAL PUBLIC are being given an opportunity to have their say on a review of police call handling throughout Scotland.

Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary for Scotland (HMICS) is currently undertaking a review of all police call centres – including Aberdeen, where calls are handled for Moray and which is schedule for closure.

The review comes after the tragic deaths of John Yuill and Lamara Bell, when police failed to react for three days after receiving information that their car had been spotted at the side of the M9 motorway.

HMICS have been tasked with producing an independent assessment on how command and control centres are working. The review was ordered by the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and will look at the capacity of existing systems and human resources available in control centres’ ability to manage, answer and prioritise calls.

The review will also consider the capability of systems and suitability of training, as well as the process within control rooms to ensure all calls are handled, dispatched and closed appropriately.

HMICS are asking the public as well as police officers, civilian staff, elected representatives and other interested parties. Views are being sought on police 101 or 999 services and any experiences people have on what is working well and what could be improved.

An online questionnaire has been provided and should take around 15 minutes to complete, with the deadline for completed views set for August 23.

A spokesman for HMICS said: “Because your comments will be anonymous, we will not be able to provide individual feedback or investigate any complaints.”