EMERGENCY SERVICES FUN DAY VISIT BY PCC

It was the Emergency Services Fun Day on Sunday 12 July at Niagara, the South Yorkshire Police Sports and Social Club in Sheffield.

Dr Alan Billings called in to discuss policing issues with a number of visitors at the family event. Top of many people’s agenda when speaking to the South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner were on-going issues with the 101 service.

Many visitors were asking what was being done about the long waiting times on hold, the cost to the public to call the service and how incidents were being recorded when many callers were just giving up.

Dr Billings said: “I am fully aware of the issues surrounding the 101 service and have asked my office and the force to conduct a review not only in to 101 but also how the public of South Yorkshire can contact the police.  There are many new and evolving ways that people communicate and as an emergency service and customer contact centre, we should be continually speaking to users of the service to find out their preferences.

“We are here today at the Emergency Services Fun Day listening to the concerns of the public, not only on issues surrounding 101, but also crime in their areas, policing matters that are of importance to them and how they feel South Yorkshire Police keep their neighbourhoods safe.”

Emergency Services Fun DayThe Emergency Services Fun Day has always been a popular event in South Yorkshire with attendance by the Fire and Ambulance services, police cadets, police dogs and some special shows to keep the children entertained.  SportFX South Yorkshire provided free football to the young people wishing to participate and an opportunity to pull on the boxing gloves and try out new skills.

Dr Billings continued: “I have had the chance to speak to many people today as they enjoyed the sunshine.  All issues discussed with both myself and the representatives from my office will be recorded and looked in to.  It is my responsibility to ensure that everyone in South Yorkshire feels safe and receives adequate policing in their neighbourhoods.

“I have enjoyed taking part in today’s day of fun and I thank those from the Niagara Sports and Social Club who planned the event and the Specials and Cadets who helped out.”

If anyone is interested in being part of a focus group to improve the contact management service, they should contact 01226 774600 or email [email protected]

Representatives from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner will be attending a number of shows throughout the summer, including the Rotherham Show, Lowedges Festival and were I attendance at the Lord Mayors Parade in Barnsley held on Saturday 11thJuly.