111 staff review

Police management asked for more staff to handle emergency calls but got less than 20, Parliament was told yesterday.

Police Minister George Hawkins was under fire again over police responses to 111 calls.

The system is being reviewed after claims several calls were not responded to promptly.

National Party police spokesman Tony Ryall asked Mr Hawkins whether Police Commissioner Rob Robinson had requested more staff to handle 111 calls.

Mr Hawkins said he had.

"Yes, and we provided an extra 18 (staff in communications centres) and there is a review and if the commissioner needs more resources we will make sure they get them."

Police Association president Greg O'Connor said this month that the commissioner had asked for 60 staff but got only 18.