Sussex Police Control Room Named Best In UK After National Award Win

Sussex Police has been recognised as having the UK's best emergency control room after winning the Force Control Room Team of the Year award.

The national award, presented at the National Control Room Awards, recognises outstanding performance across police, fire and ambulance control rooms throughout the UK.

It comes after Sussex Police recorded the fastest 999 call answering times in the country for the 11th consecutive month.

Judges praised the force for setting the national benchmark for emergency call handling, reducing response times to high-risk incidents and delivering outstanding service to the public.

Chief Constable Jo Shiner said:

"Every second counts when it comes to catching criminals and saving lives. I'm so proud of the team's commitment to supporting the community when they need us most."

Head of Force Contact, Command and Control, Chief Superintendent Jon Robeson, said the award reflected the dedication and professionalism of staff, adding that the force's sustained performance had now been recognised nationally.

Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said the achievement followed years of investment in technology, systems and additional contact centre staff.

She said Sussex Police now answers more than 98 per cent of 999 calls within 10 seconds, with an average answer time of just four seconds, describing the award as recognition of the force's commitment to being there for the public when they need it most.