ITV Granada cameras captured Greater Manchester Police responding to a false imprisonment call during a Tuesday night ride-along, showcasing the force’s eight-minute emergency response time to domestic abuse incidents.

The documentary crew followed PCs Rachael Barnes and Anthony Wharton through their overnight shift before joining the dedicated domestic abuse investigation team the following morning. These specialist teams, established in every district last December, handle the 6,000 victims whose cases resulted in justice last year.

Survivor Hannah’s journey began in June 2023 when she contacted police through Live Chat, one of several contact options available to victims who cannot safely call 999. The force maintains a four-second average answer time for emergency calls, with response officers arriving at domestic abuse scenes in eight minutes and 14 seconds over the past six months.

Greater Manchester Police emphasized that victims need not pursue prosecution to receive support, noting that dedicated teams work with partners to explore civil order routes when criminal charges aren’t viable. Those experiencing domestic abuse can contact police through 999, 101, or the Live Chat service on the force’s website, while the Greater Manchester domestic abuse helpline operates Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, offering language services and LGBT community support through End the Fear.

Source: Read original article