Call demand reaches highest levels for 2026 during Response Policing Week as officers and staff praised for their efforts

Response officers in Greater Manchester, including Oldham, have been celebrated this week.

As part of Response Policing Week, officers witnessed significant demand, with Saturday resulting in the highest number of emergency calls in 2026 within a 24-hour period so far, with their contact centre taking 2,129 emergency 999 calls and 4,932 contacts in total.  

Greater Manchester Police highlighted that their call handling times have improved in the last year, with 999 calls answered in an average of four seconds. 

During the week, officers responded to 2,900 grade 1 incidents, attending 96.9 per cent of them with an average attendance time of seven minutes and 26 seconds, well inside the expected national average of 15 minutes. 

The team was also called to 2,203 grade 2 incidents and attended 82.5 per cent of them in an average of 54 minutes. 

The week of action showcased the fast‑paced, unpredictable and vital role response teams play, highlighting the professionalism, bravery and commitment they show when people need help most. 

Oldham Chief Inspector Christopher Fowler spoke proudly about his love for response policing. He often goes out with his team on response shifts outside of his designated working hours. 

CI Fowler said: “Response officers work at the sharpest end of policing – the role requires resilience, judgment and compassion in equal measure. 

“I thoroughly enjoy response policing, that is why I love working extra hours so I can get out with my team on the front line.” 

Highlights from the week also included PC’s Eves, Mohamed, Knowles, Ward, Dean and Frost responding to a serious assault, safely arresting two suspect and providing first aid and forensically secured weapons during a high‑demand shift. 

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Boyle, National Lead for Response Policing, said: “Response Policing Week gave us the chance to shine a light on the extraordinary work carried out by our response officers. 

“Across the week, officers were out undertaking their duties in a fast‑paced, demanding environment and often carried out at moments when people are at their most vulnerable. 

“Whether attending emergencies, making critical decisions in real time, or supporting people in crisis, our response officers demonstrate their professionalism, integrity and courage that underpins public trust in policing. 

“I want to thank our response officers for the outstanding work they do every single day. Policing cannot function without response - they remain the frontline of safety and the foundation on which confidence in our service is built.”