Want a glimpse inside our force control room?...

Want a glimpse inside our force control room?...

Dear Resident, 

Our annual “Postathon” is set to return tomorrow (29 October) as part of International Control Room Week.

The event will offer you an insight into the pressures faced by control room staff who deal, on average, with 1164 calls, 78 web chats and 436 incidents every day.

We will use the event to shine a spotlight on the often-hidden work of call handlers, dispatchers, and IMU operators who work from the force control room – described as “the beating heart” of policing operations.

In previous years, social media users have shared their thoughts on the Postathon, with one saying, “these updates are an amazing insight into life in the control room”, and another describing the Postathon as “absolutely incredible”.

Another user said: “I don’t think it’s recognised how many emergency calls just one police force gets in half an hour! Thank you to all emergency call handlers”.

Superintendent Nick Church, head of demand, said: “When someone contacts us for help, it is a member of our control room team who is there at the other end of the phone.

“They deal with an incredible variety of situations, often supporting people at some of the most difficult moments of their lives, while ensuring our officers have all the information they need to respond.

“The Postathon gives people a rare glimpse into this vital work, and Control Room Week is a great opportunity to say a huge thank you to the dedicated team of control room staff working around the clock to help keep Cambridgeshire safe.

“I want to thank everyone working behind the scenes for the professionalism, resilience and dedication they show, day in, day out. The role they play in keeping our communities safe should not be underestimated.”

To follow the Postathon, visit @CambsCops on Facebook and Instagram, where updates will be shared every 30 minutes between 2pm and 8pm on 29 October.

If you think you could be the calm voice on the end of the 999 phone line, the force is currently recruiting for control room staff, with opportunities for both call handlers and dispatchers. To find out more or to apply, visit the force’s website.

Kind regards,