Data reveals West Midlands Police 'best performing' of metropolitan forces
Between May 2024 and April 2025, WMP says it answered 93.4% of all 101 calls within three minutes
New data has revealed West Midlands Police (WMP) is the 'best performing' of the metropolitan forces.
Between May 2024 and April 2025, WMP says it answered 93.4% of all 101 calls within three minutes, with an average time to answer of 34 seconds.
The force says it answered 95.6% of 999 calls within 10 seconds with an average time to answer of three seconds.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Welsted is responsible for WMP’s Force Contact.
He said: "These new figures show we are on the right track when it comes to delivering a stand-out service to the public who call us for help.
"This outstanding service the public are receiving is testament to the professionalism and dedication of our staff in Force Contact, who are ready round the clock to respond to a range of incidents.
"Getting the basics right, like answering calls quickly and effectively, helps our officers arrive earlier at crime scenes, arrest suspects and begin investigating sooner.”
The force says it's making use of AI to make sure vulnerable callers using 101 are connected quickly to staff.
It says all non-emergency calls are now analysed and those at risk of domestic violence or of harming themselves, or reports of missing children, are helped more quickly as a result of the new system.
As well as identifying people needing support, the system messages investigators with requests for updates from victims once the crime number and other personal details have been verified, according to WMP.
Head of Force Contact Chief Superintendent Sally Simpson said: “Alongside our fantastic staff who answer calls for service, we have invested in cutting edge technology, better understanding the purpose of 101 calls and signposting callers to the right solution to meet their need.
“What we are now seeing is sustained outstanding service to the public, even during the busiest periods.”