North Yorkshire Police creates new "digital police station"
Its to help reduce 999 and 101 waiting times
North Yorkshire Police have created a new "digital police station" - so people in the county can report crime online.
It's part of a drive to reduce long 999 and 101 call waiting times - which the force has faced years of criticism over.
The force has also faced years of criticism over its call answering times – with its recent record being described as “shocking."
Councillor Victoria Oldham, who represents the Washburn ward, told Monday's (28 February) meeting:
"If people are using 101 they need to know they will get a quick response.
"Whenever I've had to use 101 it has not been quick - it can be 10, 15 or 20 minutes before the call is answered.
"It's okay for those who have the capability of using the online service, but if they are dependent on 101 then it's so important that such calls are answered as speedily as possible."
The tool is being rolled out at police forces across the country, with North Yorkshire Police transitioning its website to the new system in October.
But the force has been urged not to forget the county's vulnerable and ageing population who may not have access to the internet.