THE new system for alerting members of the public to crimes, missing people and police campaigns has been criticised by the Police and Crime Commissioner.

North Yorkshire Community Messaging System (NYCMS), was launched in April as a replacement for the Ringmaster system, and an app was set up in September, to provide information to the public about live incidents.

During a live webchat this week, Julia Mulligan was told by a member of the public that the new system "doesn't work", "is not fit for purpose within communities", and the number of messages have reduced from 30 to 40 messages per month, to a handful.

In her response, Mrs Mulligan acknowledged there were issues with the new system, and she agreed that it was not satisfactory.

She said: "I'm not happy with the way this is working either. I recently asked the police to review its implementation and I am still not satisfied. We've also had a number of complaints through the [PCC] office.

"Having said this, the system is being worked on, so are happy to keep you updated on progress. If you know others who are dissatisfied, also please do encourage them to contact us with details as it will help us fix the issues."

A report to the Corporate Performance Delivery and Scrutiny Board last week said more than 13,000 Ringmaster contacts had been brought over to the new system, and along with new members, more than 16,600 were now receiving messages.

Since it launched in April, more than 950 messages have been sent by police - about 159 per month - mostly by members of the control room, relating to York, Craven, Harrogate and Selby, with smaller numbers about events in Richmond and Catterick, Hambleton, Scarborough and Ryedale.

The report, by Insp Victoria Taylor and Acting Sgt Heidi Lewis, said new additions to the system were being implemented at no cost to NYP which would improve group alerts.

It acknowledged that the "initial communications plan could have been more efficient", and "initial complaints from the public in relation to timing issues were swiftly addressed" - meaning alerts would not now be sent before 8.30am or after 9.30pm.

The report said: "No other police force has opened up its use to all departments that may benefit from its capabilities, also allowing volunteer organisations such as Neighbourhood Watch and Rural Watch to utilise its capacity for their objectives.

"Feedback from NHW and Rural Watch coordinators was that they were receiving fewer messages than expected, expressing concern that NYCM was not being used effectively. Discussions are ongoing with NHW and Rural Watch to ensure that NYCM meets their needs."