Humberside Police Enhances Technology in Force Control Room

Monday, 25 August 2025 06:00

By Matthew Pells

Video calling, live location sharing and automatic transcribing of phone calls are some of the technical innovations which have been implemented by Humberside Police.

In a concerted effort to improve public safety and support, Humberside Police’s Force Control Room (FCR) has implemented several innovative strategies over the past year. With a commitment to providing high-quality service, the FCR team is evolving its approach to handling emergency calls and supporting victims of crime.

Chief Superintendent Tracy Bradley, the Force Control Room Commander, emphasised the ongoing dedication to enhancing service delivery.

“We’re always looking at how we can do things better whether that’s using tools that help us respond more effectively, making better use of information, or easing the pressure on our frontline teams so they can focus on the people who need them,”

Among the notable advancements is the trial of a system that converts calls into written transcripts. This innovation allows operators to concentrate fully on the caller without the distraction of note-taking. “Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and it’s helping us explore how new tools can ease demand, save time and improve decision-making,” Bradley remarked.

Additionally, the introduction of technology enabling missing persons to share their live location with authorities has proven beneficial. This capability has expedited the response time for locating individuals, significantly aiding both families and law enforcement.

Humberside Police is also participating in a national pilot program known as Raneem’s Law, aimed at enhancing responses to domestic abuse cases. “While we’ve already got specialist support in place, this allows us to push ourselves further to learn, review and improve our processes so victims get the support they need at the earliest opportunity,” Bradley explained.

One of the most significant changes has been the implementation of Rapid Video Response, which allows FCR staff to communicate with victims via video call. This method not only provides reassurance but also empowers victims with more options for support. “It’s now fully part of our service and we’ve been recognised nationally for how well it’s been embedded,” Bradley noted.

The sense of responsibility within the Force Control Room is immense, as highlighted by Bradley:

“When someone picks up the phone, whether they’re in crisis or unsure what to do, we’re here to listen and to act. There’s a person behind every call, and our teams never forget that.”

As the FCR continues to evolve, the force says the dedication of its staff remains a cornerstone of its success. “They stay composed in demanding situations, show care in how they support callers, and work hard behind the scenes to keep our communities safe,” Bradley concluded.

For those who have witnessed or been victims of crime that is not an emergency, Humberside Police encourages reporting incidents via 101, while emergencies should be directed to 999.

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