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Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen joined community crime-fighters to mark the historic anniversary of one of the last remaining ‘felons’ organisations in the country.
The County Durham and Darlington PCC was invited as guest speaker to the 201st anniversary of the Weardale Association for the Prosecution of Felons and Other Offenders.
The Association, known locally as 'The Felons', was formed before the first police forces were created nationally with the purpose of keeping law and order in the Dale as well as providing funds for escorting ‘felons’ to court. The felonies were varied and range from petty crime to far more serious offences.
In the Market Place in St John’s Chapel, people can still see the handcuffs used to tackle ‘disorder’ which usually broke out at local public houses.
The organisation, which still boasts 50+ members, is one of the last remaining Felons organisations in the country.
Commissioner Allen addressed the group on her career to date and how, as a woman in policing, times have changed.
She said: “I was honoured to speak at the Weardale Association for the Prosecution of Felons’ anniversary dinner. This is a hugely important milestone for the group. Very few Felons organisations remain active today and I’m so proud that the Weardale Felons is still going strong and that their principles are very much alive.
“Felons groups were formed before the very first national police force was created and were much like today’s Neighbourhood Watch schemes, with ordinary people working together to solve local problems, prevent crime and apprehend or punish outlaws. Their unity after so long is an inspiration and demonstrates the continued relevance of community spirit in today’s policing.”
Michael Urwin, chairman of the Weardale Association for the Prosecution of Felons and Other Offenders, added: “It was an absolute delight to welcome Joy and her Deputy and the photograph taken with the entire Association will be greatly cherished as a memento of a terrific evening.
“Sadly 'Covid' did not allow us to celebrate our Bi-Centenary in 2020 but this was a terrific evening which showed the importance of crime both today and in the past.
We extend the grateful thanks of all our members to our current crime protectors - an evening to remember.”
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