Control room thanked for efforts over another busy Christmas and New Year

Christmas is a traditionally busy period for emergency services – and the recent festive period was no different, with more than 13,500 phone calls and online contacts being received by control room staff and officers in the 10 days around Christmas and New Year.

Colleagues working over the festive period have been thanked for their efforts, with the public also being reminded of online reporting options as alternatives to the 101 line.

In total between December 23 and January 1, there were a total of 5,698 emergency calls, 5,340 non-emergency calls, and 2,551 online contacts. It’s the equivalent of about one contact every minute.

Chief Inspector Dean Thomas, Public Service Centre manager, said:

“I’m really grateful for everyone’s efforts, ensuring we are able to respond to people’s calls for assistance at any time of day or night.
“We recognise that policing is a 24/7 operation, but on an individual basis it has meant staff missing their Christmas Days or New Year celebrations to serve those who may be in need.
“Our staff are also themselves daughters, sons, parents, siblings, friends, but their dedication to their roles is never under question, even when others’ festivities may be in full swing.
“Whether it’s staff in our control room, frontline officers, or any other policing role, we know people may need our assistance at any time, and so it’s important for them to know that we are there for them.”

South Wales Police also offers online reporting and contact forms via the force’s website, allowing people to report non-emergency crimes, incidents of note, or submit a variety of requests via the bespoke forms.

There is also a 24/7 live chat option where you can chat online to control room operators – the same members of staff who pick up 999 or 101 calls.

Chief Inspector Thomas added:

“We always have to prioritise the most urgent incidents, and if it’s an emergency – including when there is an immediate potential risk to life, or if a crime is in progress, you should always dial 999.
“For those cases which are not an emergency, you can use the reporting tools on our website. Reports received in this way are treated exactly the same as if you’d dialled 101, but it helps to keep the phone lines free for those who prefer to call.”