Sussex Police Control Room Named Best In UK After National Award Win
Sussex Police has been recognised as operating the UK’s best emergency control room after winning the Force Control Room Team of the Year award at the National Control Room Awards.
The prestigious national award celebrates outstanding performance across police, fire and ambulance emergency control rooms throughout the United Kingdom and highlights excellence in handling emergency calls, operational performance and public service.
The accolade comes as Sussex Police continues to lead the country in emergency call handling, recording the fastest 999 call answering times in the UK for the 11th consecutive month.
Judges praised the force for setting the national benchmark in emergency contact handling, significantly reducing response times to high-risk incidents while consistently delivering exceptional service to the public.
Chief Constable Jo Shiner said:
“Every second counts when it comes to catching criminals and saving lives. I’m so proud of the team’s commitment to supporting the community when they need us most.”
Chief Superintendent Jon Robeson, Head of Force Contact, Command and Control, said the award recognised the dedication, professionalism and commitment shown by the control room team every day.
He added that the force’s consistently high standards and sustained performance had now received well-deserved national recognition.
Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said the achievement reflected years of investment in technology, operational systems and additional contact centre staff.
She noted that Sussex Police now answers more than 98 per cent of all 999 calls within 10 seconds, with an average answer time of just four seconds, describing the award as recognition of the force’s commitment to being there for the public when they need help most.
The award highlights the increasingly vital role contact centre professionals play within the emergency services, where speed, accuracy and effective decision-making can make the difference between life and death. As public expectations continue to grow, Sussex Police’s achievement demonstrates how investment in people, technology and operational excellence can deliver measurable improvements in service while setting a benchmark for emergency control rooms across the UK.
