How Doncaster police are changing how they get to emergencies and stepping up the fight against domestic violence

When people call the police in an emergency, they want us there quickly, writes Chief Insp Nick Maddocks.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

In Doncaster, a change in how we get officers to incidents means they are getting there faster.

Not by faster driving – but by involving a local sergeant in Doncaster at an earlier stage.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

When a call first comes in, it is picked up at Atlas Court, Sheffield, and graded as an emergency, or a priority incident, depending on factors like if life is in danger or if a crime is still taking place.

Changes in procedures mean police can now get to emergencies in Doncaster more quicklyChanges in procedures mean police can now get to emergencies in Doncaster more quickly
Changes in procedures mean police can now get to emergencies in Doncaster more quickly

The call still goes into Atlas Court for dispatch but now it is also triaged by a local sergeant in Doncaster as well. The sergeant sends local officers to the general area of the incident, while Atlas Court carries out a full risk assessment, which is ready by the time the officer gets close.

By having the officers already on their way and time savings made in the dispatch function, we have cut South Yorkshire’s response times. In November 2018, 40 per cent of emergency calls had an officer there in 15 minutes. In April this year it was 80 per cent.

Average emergency response in Doncaster in the first quarter of 2020 was 11 minutes; for a priority call, 36 minutes.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

I had recently arrived in Doncaster, having previously been based at Rotherham, and I’m looking at opportunities to work more efficiently.

Another area we are looking at at present is domestic violence.

Domestic violence had a high profile this week, with a demonstration in Elmfield Park by campaigners from Women’s Lives Matter, following recent deaths in Doncaster.

We have continued to receive reports of domestic violence during lockdown, and are taking action.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

We have brought in a system which will review cases twice daily, and look what action has been taken. For instance, if a suspect had left the address and remained outstanding, we would then look to deal with the suspect by arrest or other means, so we are dealing with cases in a timely manner and safeguarding victims.

We are very much aware of this issue. It forms a big part of our work at present. We are looking to do more.