A senior police officer hit back today at claims the force's call centre had been a waste of money.

Information room - the force's nerve-centre Picture: ROB BROWNE

Supt Glenn Caton, of Basildon police, said: "We would have been foolish to stand still where call handling was concerned.

"You need to invest money to develop new systems like this. On occasions we have not responded to calls as quickly as we would have liked to, but I don't see it as a waste of money.

"We have to move forward with things like call handling. There have been many success stories.

"The 999 system is for emergencies and I urge the public only to use it in emergency situations.

"Essex Police will continue to review its system with the view to improve it and provide a better service to the public."

Meanwhile, there was a mixed reaction from fellow police authority members to chairman Robert Chambers's outburst.

Member Brian Kelly, of Shoebury, said: "I would not say it has been a total disaster. The handling of non-emergency calls is not working well and we are looking at investing £6m a year in making improvements. It is a national problem and virtually all the forces have the same problem."

Fellow member Colin Churchman, of Aveley, agreed, saying: "People are not happy with the way the system is working and it needs improving.

"Robert is a straight-talking man and if anyone will improve the system he will."

Published Thursday July 29, 2004

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