THE police inspector in charge of Barnsley’s four district hubs has encouraged residents to try out its online reporting system - after admitting the notorious 101 alternative is not performing.
Insp Andrew Norton was grilled by councillors representing Cudworth, Monk Bretton, North East and Royston wards at Barnsley Town Hall last Thursday and revealed an online push to report low-level crimes such as anti-social behaviour was being implemented by officers at hubs in the town centre, Goldthorpe, Kendray and Royston.
It follows years of issues with the 101 helpline, which has come under more fire recently after some callers claimed 30-minute waiting times were common.
Insp Norton said: “I completely acknowledge the problems people have encountered with 101. Honestly, there’s no answer for it, but there is a recurring theme at crime and safety groups and PACT meetings across Barnsley as residents tell us about long waiting times (for their call to be answered).
“There’s a push now towards online reporting on the police’s website. If we can get residents to do that, hopefully those with internet access will take advantage of it which will then reduce answer times for those who can only report matters over the phone.
“Reporting incidents is always something that’s brought up with us but even if residents do end up putting the phone down after waiting too long to be answered, we can trace where they are calling from and make contact afterwards. It’s not a perfect system as there’s reduced staff and a higher volume of calls, but it is under review and we will make improvements.”
Work to ease online reporting on the police’s website has already been done, according to South Yorkshire Police, so people can identify their local team and also make contact via email.
Although people have been urged to report matters online, 101 callers have been promised two ‘significant upgrades’ to the system which are due to take hold by spring 2018 to reduce waiting times.
Coun Charlie Wraith added: “The problem I have with the reporting systems is that there’s always a lack of feedback given to people who take the time to report an incident. The police are constantly asking residents to do it, but they are getting nothing back.
“Everyone is fed up with ringing 101 and crime figures are apparently recorded from the amount of calls an area receives. That’s why they are low and I don’t believe they give a true reflection.
“Not everyone has access to the internet although I am not against this method of reporting, it’s important that improvements are made to the traditional 101 system to make residents’ lives easier. They are wanting to help, but it’s still an unnecessarily difficult thing to achieve.”
Mayor of Barnsley Coun Jeff Ennis added: “Both reporting systems, whether it’s online or via the phone, simply must be fit for purpose. It’s not at the minute and it is a pity as people do seem to be losing faith.
“Hopefully improvements will be made as making the process easier for callers will encourage more to give it another go.”
* Visit reportingcrime.uk/SYPincidentreport for more information on online reporting.
