Behind the scenes: Meet call handler Ellis

Meet Ellis, one of our emergency call handlers.

When you dial 999, it’s call handlers like Ellis who answer the phone, assess the danger, reassure victims, and gather the vital information needed to get officers to you as quickly as possible.

One call that has stayed with Ellis is a “dropped 999 call” – a call that connects, but the line suddenly goes quiet. On this occasion, during a loud disturbance a woman screamed the first half of her postcode before the call was abruptly cut off.

Ellis immediately searched police systems, matched the phone number to an address, and deployed response officers to the location. On arrival, officers found that the woman had been assaulted by her partner, who had ended the call and fled the address. He was later located, arrested and charged.

“It’s calls like this that remind you why this job matters. The role of a call handler is incredibly rewarding because you play a vital part in helping people at their most vulnerable moments.”

Think you could be like Ellis?

We’re recruiting for call handlers now: https://www.durham.police.uk/police-forces/durham-constabulary/areas/careers/join-us/vacancies/jobs/Call_Handler_/