Durham Constabulary responds to record summer demand

This summer, our Force Control Room handled record levels of demand.

In July alone:

• 10,255 emergency 999 calls were received – 11% more than the same month last year.
• 17,839 incidents were created – an increase of 12%.

In August:

• 9689 emergency 999 calls were received – an increase of 4%.
• 16,807 incidents were created – an increase of 6%.

Behind every one of those calls and every deployment are dedicated colleagues working around the clock.

Our call handlers and dispatchers assess and prioritise every contact, making sure officers can respond first to those facing the greatest threat, risk and harm.

And once officers are deployed, our teams on the ground work tirelessly to respond to emergencies, investigate crime, safeguard vulnerable people and support our communities.

When demand is high, colleagues across the force continue to adapt, support one another and work together to make sure those who need us most receive the right response.

You may not always see the people behind the calls, decisions and deployments, but their impact is felt across Durham Constabulary every single day.

Please help us keep our emergency lines free:

• 999 if there is an immediate threat to life
• 101 or Live Chat for non-emergency incidents and enquiries.

And thank you to the public for your patience and understanding when contacting us.

As always, if you need us, we’re here.