HC Deb 13 February 2002 vol 380 c453W
Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what provision exists to inspect the standards on telephone response times in the Metropolitan police. [12539]

Mr. Denham

The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis informs me that the service level for answering 999 emergency calls is measured at 15 minute intervals throughout the day. This is used to identify patterns and establish the Metropolitan Police Service's (MPS) call handling requirements.

Supervising officers dip-sample telephone calls so that quality is assured and to ensure adherence to the MPS' policies, practices and procedures. This also ensures that calls are answered within a reasonable time.