GMP continues to encourage online reporting

Greater Manchester Police is continuing to ask the public to report non-emergencies online, rather than calling 101, where possible.

The force says its Operational Communications Branch receives a large volume of calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Due to a number of staff in the department having to self-isolate due to Covid-19, a small number of officers from GMP's Transport Unit are assisting with answering calls. 

But GMP say officers will "continue to have a presence across the transport network in key areas" and "the work of the unit will still be maintained alongside partners in transport across Greater Manchester". 

Assistant Chief Constable Nick Bailey said: "All of our staff in OCB have worked extremely hard throughout this pandemic to help keep the communities in Greater Manchester safe and our technology has enabled many to work from home.

"However, inevitably, some of our officers and staff will be affected by the on-going pandemic and may need to self-isolate for the safety of themselves, their colleagues and the public and we are supporting them in doing so.

"We have therefore had to redeploy some of our resources from the Transport Unit to assist colleagues in OCB on a temporary basis.

"Answering calls from members of the public is vital and moving officers into the department can help us to deliver our normal service. This is why we're continuing to ask the public to report any non-emergencies online where possible.

"The unprecedented times we're living through pose a challenge to every one across the country and our officers continue to keep you all safe while you stay at home and continue to save lives. Our number one priority, alongside partners, is to keep the communities of Greater Manchester safe."

The public can report non-emergencies online at www.gmp.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime but should always call 999 in an emergency. 

Meanwhile, part of GMP's troubled new computer system - which helps officers access information about crimes, case files and missing people - was taken offline for a planned major upgrade on Tuesday. 

The force has been hampered by issues since it introduced its Integrated Operational Policing System (iOPS) in July 2019, at a cost of £27 million.

The police watchdog published a scathing report into GMP back in December, after an inspection revealed that the force had failed to record an estimated 80,000 crimes within a 12-month period. 

After the force was placed into special measures as a result, Ian Hopkins stepped down as Chief Constable - with Assistant Chief Constable Ian Pilling stepping up as interim Chief Constable. 

GMP is the second largest police force in England, and responsible for policing in Tameside and Oldham.