WEST MIDLANDS Police is using the latest artificial intelligence (AI) technology to fast-track the most vulnerable people who call the non-emergency number asking for help.
The force says it has updated its technology to unlock the power of AI to make sure vulnerable callers using our 101 system are immediately through to trained and experienced staff.
All non-emergency calls are analysed and those at risk of domestic violence or of harming themselves, or reports of missing children, are helped more quickly as a result of the new system.
This is unique capability and designed to maximise the opportunity to provide help and support to those who need it most.
As well as identifying vulnerable people needing support, the system messages investigators with requests for updates from victims once the crime number and other personal details have been verified.
It gives advice about lost and found property, transfers calls to custody and signposts people to organisations responsible for things like abandoned cars or noise nuisance
It also allows people to switch to the website to make online crime reports.
Latest data In December shows West Midlands Police answered 96.7 per cent of its 58,000 999 calls in less than 10 seconds with an average answer time of 5.8 seconds and 99 per cent of its 55,000 101 calls in an average of about eight seconds
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Welsted, who is responsible for West Midlands Police’s Force Contact, said: “Our figures show we are on the right track when it comes to delivering the best service possible to the public. Using AI technology is helping us to further improve how we answer and deal with calls round the clock.”
Head of Force Contact Chief Superintendent Ian Parnell said: “Alongside our fantastic staff who answer calls for service, we have invested in cutting edge technology, better understanding the purpose of 101 calls and signposting callers to the right solution to meet their need. This ensures we provide an outstanding service to people even during the busiest periods.”
