Greater Manchester Police has recruited 40 additional call handlers into the Operational Communications Branch (OCB).
GMP now has 236 full time call handlers – 36 more than at this point last year, representing an 18 per cent increase across the branch.
New recruits will join under the leadership of new Chief Superintendent Chris Gibson, who oversees OCB as part of his role in charge of Contact, Demand and Capability for GMP.
Chief Supt Gibson recently joined the force from Merseyside Police following the most ambitious senior recruitment process in Greater Manchester Police history, which added 12 new chief superintendents to the force to strengthen leadership and accountability.
Following recruitment in May, all handlers have now been trained and were deployed this week.
Chief Superintendent Chris Gibson said: “I’m delighted to welcome our new starters into post.OCB call handlers perform a crucial role for the force and in addition to our live chat and online reporting streams are very often the first point of contact that a victim has with the force.
“Calls from victims are our call to action, and this recruitment drive illustrates the positives steps GMP is taking to bolster and improve the force.
“Increasing capacity and resilience within OCB will help ensure victims receive a prompt, empathetic and quality service from the very first moment they’re in touch with GMP.”
