POLICE chiefs are to cut the numbers of officers responding to 999 emergencies as part of moves to cut out waste and inefficiency amid big spending cuts.

But officers promised to arrive at the scene quickly if it was needed.

Senior officers covering the south of Birmingham said the changes to officer numbers had allowed them to introduce an appointment-style for non-emergency calls which would boost the service offered to the public.

Chief Supt Phil Kay said at the same time demands on 24/7 response officers would change.

Currently, response officers could be asked to do everything from responding to non-emergency calls over minor crimes, carry out planned arrests for colleagues and deal with emergency calls.

Under the changes they would only be sent to jobs requiring their immediate presence or a visit within an hour freeing them from their current massive workload.

Early trials had seen average response times to emergency incidents increase by at least ten per cent.