Latest figures show that 999 demands has increased by 6,968 calls compared with the same period last year – a 12 per cent increase.

Despite this rise in demand, North Yorkshire Police continues to exceed the national service level agreement for answering emergency calls, maintaining high levels of performance for the public.

Performance data presented at today’s Online Public Meeting showed that the force remains above the national target for 999 calls answering and continues to deliver strong results despite increasing pressure on the service. The average 999 call answer time in September 2026 was just three seconds.

The figures highlight the important role played by call handlers, dispatchers and control room teams who are often the first point of contact for people experiencing emergencies and incidents requiring urgent police assistance.

Jo Coles, Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime said

"The Force Control Room is the front door to North Yorkshire Police, and every day staff deal with people who may be facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

"To see an increase of almost 7,000 emergency calls compared with the same period last year demonstrates the scale of demand our teams are managing. Despite that pressure, staff continue to answer calls quickly, professionally, and compassionately, while maintaining performance above the national standard.

"I would like to personally thank every member of the Force Control Room team for their dedication and commitment to serving communities across York and North Yorkshire. Their work often goes unseen by the public, but it is absolutely vital in ensuring people receive help when they need it most.

"These figures are a testament to the resilience and professionalism of our staff, who continue to deliver an excellent service in the face of rising demand."

The Online Public Meeting also highlighted that response times for immediate-grade incidents remain above the national target of 80 per cent, demonstrating the force's continued focus on providing an effective service to the public

The full Online Public Meeting can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OncwJ8HDrp8

All presentations can be found: Online Public Meeting – 15 October 2026 -NYP - Prevention and Early Intervention - York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority – Policing, Fire and Crime Team