Victims could be faced with reporting crime through online web chats as Cumbria police chiefs attempt to quell concerns over the delay-hit 101 line.

The county's crime commissioner also flagged up the option of emailing officers as he revealed the latest move in the ongoing controversy over the second-tier number.

Peter McCall said concerns over the 101 number - used to relay information for crimes as serious as deaths, robberies and rapes - were "probably the most common" he dealt with.

His admission follows an investigation earlier this year by CN Group which revealed callers were left waiting up to six minutes for someone to answer the phone.

This number - the next step down from 999 - is also routinely used when appealing for information about vulnerable, missing people, including children.

Mr McCall spoke of concerns over the number as he unveiled his annual report, in which he spoke of some of his achievements since taking office last year.
Peter McCall

On 101, he said: "I am aware of the need to improve 101 response times, this is probably the most common complaint I deal with.

"The constabulary are working on this - and I know they are investigating the use of web chat and other means of contact.

"It is also possible to email non-urgent reports and enquiries, which is much more efficient and avoids delays.

"However, I will continue to monitor this very closely."

Mr McCall also spoke about the shadow of potential cash issues in the future.

Cumbria's chief constable, Jerry Graham, recently revealed the force was "particularly vulnerable" to funding changes.

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Chief constable Jerry Graham ost two years ago planned cuts prompted warnings of a major change in policing.

But far-reaching proposals that prompted a major campaign by CN Group eventually failed to materialise.

Mr McCall said: “While there is no doubt that we have a challenging financial landscape going forward, I remain determined to get the best deal possible for you, the public of Cumbria, to ensure that by working together we can ensure that our communities not only remain safe - but that they flourish."

In his report, Mr McCall sets out how he has carried out functions such as setting a budget, developing a Police and Crime Plan and holding Mr Graham to account.

He added: "I am pleased that Cumbria remains a safe place.

"This is supported by the many positive assessments that we have had from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary during this last year."

His report highlights how the force has been rated good on a range of issues.

It also shows how Mr McCall has carried out a wide range of public engagements so people can meet him face-to-face.

He has set up or funded a number of schemes and projects to target crime and anti-social behaviour.


Councillor claims people won't bother calling police

A councillor overseeing the work of the crime commissioner says the fallout from 101 meant there was a danger people would not bother to call police.

County councillor Bill McEwan, who represents Barrow's Ormsgill ward and is a member of the county's Police and Crime Panel, has now called for a full review of the 101 number.
Bill McEwan

He condemned news that people are to be encouraged to report crime via email or through an online chat facility, describing it as "no solution" to a system beset with problems.

"I think the outcome of this will be that people just don't bother to report crime in future," Mr McEwan added.

"I have heard some horrendous reports from residents who haven't been able to get through for 40 minutes or an hour on the 101 number, which is unaffordable for people at the rate charged.

"But asking people to email is no solution. It's also off-putting for older residents who maybe don't use a smartphone or have access to email.

"We need a full review of this service now, and this is something I'll be raising at the next police and crime panel."


Christine Bowditch But Cumbria County Council's Christine Bowditch, who represents Belle Vue ward in Carlisle, praised the move as 'creative thinking' on behalf of police.

"There's no doubt this is a system in crisis so something needs to be done," she said.

"It's worth a try. Being able to send an email off will certainly suit some people because they've made their report and it's done.

"Others might not have access to email, and these are likely to be those who are more vulnerable and who need to report crime and anti-social behaviour to the police.

"We'll have to see whether it makes a difference, but I would applaud any move to try to improve the 101 service because it's not working properly as it is."


Crime commissioner cuts staff costs

Cumbria's crime commissioner is doing his bit to tackle any impending financial problems by cutting his staff costs.

The commissioner’s chief executive and monitoring officer, Stuart Edwards, will retire in September.
Chief executive Stuart Edwards

As an interim arrangement this statutory role will be shared by two existing members of staff, saving about £81,000 over the next year, says Mr McCall.

He added: "This saving is on top of the saving that I made earlier in the year with combining the role of the chief finance officer for my office with the constabulary.

"We now have a joint chief finance officer.

“This restructure will reduce the number of senior managers from four to two-and-a-half posts.

"I am determined to ensure that as much resource as possible should be spent on policing rather than bureaucracy and administration."