Northumbria Police reported almost 2,000 calls to its emergency number on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.
The average response time was two to three seconds, under the target time of 10 seconds.
The force has also introduced a direct messaging function on social media, designed to make it easier for the public to get help.
Rachel Walters, head of communications at Northumbria Police, said: “This is great work by the team and shows their unwavering dedication to being there when people need us most.
“Christmas Day and New Year is a particularly busy time for the force, and we’re often the first point of contact for people who require police assistance.
She added: “We’d also like to thank the community for its support and for thinking twice before calling our emergency number over the festive period.
“Bogus calls to 999 waste valuable time that could otherwise be used helping people who genuinely need our urgent help.”
For those unable to contact the police online, support is available via 101.
In an emergency, the public is urged to always call 999.