In an upcoming national week of action, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) will honor the steadfast commitment and pivotal role of its Response officers, who serve as the frontline responders to emergencies across the region.
GMP’s Response officers, numbering more than 1,600, are integral to maintaining public safety in Greater Manchester, responding tirelessly to incidents ranging from burglaries and robberies to accidents and altercations, around the clock, seven days a week.
During this dedicated week, GMP aims to highlight the tireless efforts, dedication, and professionalism exhibited by its Response officers and the broader response service team. These officers are often the first to arrive at incidents, swiftly assessing threats, initiating investigations, and providing a visible presence that reassures the public in moments of crisis.
Over the past year, GMP has responded to a staggering 135,726 Grade 1 incidents—calls requiring immediate attention—averaging 370 such incidents daily across the force area. Impressively, they achieve an average response time of 9 minutes and 34 seconds, well below the expected national average of 15 minutes.
- Emergency Call Answer Times: Improved from an average of 29 seconds in June 2022 to 2-5 seconds in 2024 for 999 calls.
- Grade 1 Response Times: Achieved a record of 8 minutes 40 seconds in April 2024, with an average of 9 minutes 34 seconds over the past year.
- National Expectation: Both average response times are under the expected 15-minute national standard.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Boyle, who heads Response Policing at GMP, underscored the critical role of Response officers:
“Response Policing is the bedrock of every police force across the country. Our officers and staff work tirelessly to ensure the safety of the public in Greater Manchester every single day.”
Boyle further emphasized the rigorous training and equipment standards essential for Response officers, highlighting recent investments totaling £6 million in new uniforms, upgraded tasers, and body-worn video cameras. These investments are crucial in equipping officers with the tools needed to handle emergencies effectively and professionally.
Reflecting on the significance of their work, Boyle noted the improvements made in critical areas such as burglary and domestic abuse response, where GMP now attends every burglary report and has increased arrest rates for domestic abuse cases.
In addition to celebrating their contributions, the week will also raise awareness about the wellbeing and resilience support services available to GMP officers throughout the year. Services provided by the force’s Occupational Health Unit, in collaboration with initiatives like Oscar Kilo, the National Police Wellbeing Service, aim to support officers facing the challenges inherent in their demanding roles.
Boyle, acknowledged:
“This type of work can be extremely challenging.
“which is why there is a strong focus on officer wellbeing this week. We are committed to continually reviewing and enhancing the support available to our officers, ensuring they have access to the latest equipment and technology to perform their duties effectively.”
