West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster has hailed the force's improved performance in answering emergency and non-emergency calls, as record-breaking figures were released during National Response Week of Action.
Mr Foster joined police officers in Sandwell on the frontline between 20 and 27 April, witnessing firsthand the fast-paced nature of the role. The visit coincided with data showing significant improvements in response times for both 999 and 101 calls.
999 call performance
Figures reveal that compliance with the national 10-second answer time service level agreement for 999 calls has risen to 97 per cent in 2025/26. The average answer time for 999 calls has also reduced dramatically, dropping to just 2 seconds for the same period.
101 call improvements
For 101 calls, considerable progress has been made in meeting the 3-minute answer time service level agreement, with compliance reaching 95.7 per cent in 2025/26. The average answer time for 101 calls has improved to around 30 seconds over the past fiscal year.
Emergency response times
When looking at emergency response performance, the median emergency response times have improved to approximately 11 minutes in 2025/26, which police say reflects greater efficiency in deployment and response. Compliance with the 15-minute emergency response service level agreement has also improved, reaching 70.6 per cent for the same period.
Commissioner's praise
The dedicated week of action aimed to recognise the commitment, dedication and professionalism of response officers who work 24/7, 365 days a year to keep the public safe. During his shift in Sandwell, Mr Foster observed officers navigating complex and often distressing emergency callouts.
Mr 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 also provided a platform for officers to engage directly with the Commissioner, showcasing the essential work performed daily across the West Midlands.
