Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Simon Foster joined Response officers in Sandwell for a frontline ride-along, highlighting the vital work of the teams who serve at the front end of policing.
The visit coincides with the National Response Week of Action (20-27 April), a week dedicated to recognising the commitment, dedication and professionalism of response officers who work 24/7, 365 days a year to keep the public safe.
The PCC used the visit to welcome the force’s significant improvements in emergency response. Recent data shows a transformation in how West Midlands Police handles urgent calls:
- Faster call handling: 999 and 101 call answer times have reached record-breaking speeds, ensuring help is dispatched quicker than ever before.
- Priority 1 (emergency) incidents: The force now consistently hits its target for responding to and attending thousands of emergency incidents.
- Operational excellence: The improvements reflect a renewed focus on ensuring the public receives a rapid response when they need it most.
During the shift, the Commissioner witnessed first hand the fast-paced nature of the role, observing officers as they navigated complex and often distressing, emergency callouts.
Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, said: “I want to thank our officers for their unwavering commitment, dedication and professionalism in what is an incredibly fast-paced and challenging role.
“Today was an opportunity for me to see our Response Teams out and about and in action in Sandwell.
“Whether that is responding to an emergency 999 call at pace or supporting a victim of crime, Response Officers work tirelessly 24/7 to protect our communities.”
The ride-along provided a platform for officers to engage directly with the Commissioner, showcasing the essential work performed daily across the West Midlands.
The PCC’s visit reinforced his commitment to supporting frontline policing and ensuring the people and communities of the West Midlands are receiving the service they are entitled to from West Midlands Police.
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