Force sets out response times to emergency calls

Officers aim to reach urban 999 callers within 15 minutes

A police force has written a 10-point pledge setting out the standards for the kind of service the public can expect from it.

The Northern Constabulary document deals with response times for answering 999 calls and responding to letters.

It finishes with a message to the public asking that they play a role in keeping the force area the safest in the UK.

The pledge will be presented to the Northern Joint Police Board on Friday.

Response times to calls feature prominently in the document.

It says 999 calls will be answered within 10 seconds and, when appropriate, attend the scene within 15 minutes in urban locations, and as soon as possible in rural areas.

They will also answer 97% of non-emergency calls within 30 seconds, and officers will try to visit vulnerable or upset callers within an hour.

Alleged harassment

Deputy Chief Constable Garry Sutherland recently revealed that the force received about 800,000 calls over a 12 month period - with 30,000 of them being emergency calls.

The pledge also says officers will treat members of the public fairly and with dignity and respect.

A separate report to Friday's meeting shows that 59 complaints containing 98 allegations against police officers were received by the force between 1 July and 30 September this year.

Twelve allegations claim officers were rude and 10 others allege oppressive behaviour or harassment.

Last month, Northern Constabulary's complaints system was described as "substantial" by the Police Complaints Commissioner for Scotland.

However, commissioner John McNeill did also recommend some improvements.