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G4S police control room staff ‘called 999 at quiet times to make their response times look better'

Workers for Lincolnshire Police are employed by G4S Public Services
Alleged to have made test calls to ensure faster call answering times
999 handlers must answer 92% of calls in ten seconds or G4S is fined
CPS says that there is no evidence of criminal activity at this stage

Published: 15:43 GMT, 23 May 2016 | Updated: 16:43 GMT, 23 May 2016

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Five police control room staff have been suspended amid claims they called 999 at quiet times to massage performance figures.

The workers, employed by G4S Public Services and working for Lincolnshire Police, are alleged to have made the test calls to ensure faster call answering times were recorded.

Emergency call handlers for the force are required to answer 92 per cent of calls within ten seconds, or G4S Public Services is fined.

Suspended: The workers, who were working for Lincolnshire Police (whose HQ in Nettleham, Lincoln, is pictured), are alleged to have made the test calls to ensure faster call answering times were recorded

Managing director for G4S Public Services, John Shaw, said: ‘We have suspended five employees today and have taken swift action to begin our investigation process.

‘While I can reassure the public that at no stage did the actions of these people put the public or police colleagues at risk, I am nevertheless dismayed that this group of staff sought to influence important performance measurements.

'We continue to work closely with the force and share any data and other information required.

‘There is no place for anyone in our organisation who behaves in this way and their actions undermine the commitment and the good work of their colleagues.’

The Crown Prosecution Service has said that there is no evidence of criminal activity at this stage, and instead insisted the inquiry is an internal disciplinary matter.

The alleged illegitimate test calls were made in October, November and December 2015.

Call centre: Emergency call handlers for the force are required to answer 92 per cent of calls within ten seconds, or G4S Public Services is fined (file picture)

In November and December the handlers failed to meet targets, dipping to 90.19 per cent in November and 89.24 per cent in December.

There is no place for anyone in our organisation who behaves in this way

John Shaw, managing director for G4S Public Services

Lincolnshire Police said: ‘Today five force control room staff have been suspended from duty and have been informed they are under investigation. We will be seeking further information by interviewing these members of staff jointly with G4S.

'These matters will now be dealt with through staff disciplinary procedures and the investigation must take its course. We have established that at no stage has there been any risk to the safety of members of the public.

‘Arrangements have been made for the smooth operation of the force control room to continue and the service to the public will not be adversely affected.’

Watchdog the Independent Police Complaints Commission supervised the probe. The Lincolnshire Police 999 call centre is the only one managed by G4S.