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Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen has decided to extend Chief Constable Rachel Bacon’s contract for a further three years to support the delivery of the public’s policing priorities.
The County Durham and Darlington PCC said the Chief Constable had made an exceptional contribution to the force since being appointed in November 2023 and agreed to extend her contract until November 2029 to provide stability as the force works towards meeting her Police and Crime Plan ambitions.
Rachel Bacon was recruited on an initial three-year contract.
Chief Constables can be offered a contract of five years in the first instance, followed by a further three years. Following this, they can be offered an unlimited number of one-year contacts.
The PCC is currently finalising her new Police and Crime Plan 2024-29 which follows extensive consultation with residents online and face-to-face to better understand the improvements needed to help people feel safe and be safe.
The priorities featured in the Plan are the priorities determined by the public and the PCC said it was vital continuity was maintained to ensure their successful delivery.
In agreeing the extension, the PCC said Durham Constabulary is a unique force with a higher level of demand then many similar sized forces. It is also one of only 11 forces nationally to have a lower number of officers than it did in 2010 due to an outdated funding formula.
In the face of ongoing funding challenges, the PCC said she was confident Rachel Bacon was the right person to steer the force in the future and build trust and confidence among the public of its ability to keep them safe.
Joy Allen said: “Rachel Bacon has made a hugely impressive impact since joining the force in 2023. She is thoroughly invested in delivering the strong and visible policing presence the public want and will be instrumental in the execution of their top policing priorities through my Police and Crime Plan.
“Neighbourhood Policing is the lifeblood of our communities, and I know the Chief Constable values it very highly. The officers, PCSOs and volunteers who work on the ground in our communities are the face of the force and instrumental to solving the problems that cause harm and allow crime to thrive. Under Rachel Bacon’s leadership I am confident local policing will continue to go from strength to strength.”
Chief Constable Rachel Bacon said: “I’d like to thank the PCC for the confidence she has shown me personally and, more importantly, the support she has shown every one of Durham’s dedicated officers and staff. She has consistently demonstrated that faith by supporting extra investment into our neighbourhood policing teams which will protect our communities and make them safer.
“When I joined Durham Constabulary in November 2023, my clear focus was on neighbourhood policing, which is at the core of my Three-Year Delivery Plan. Our communities want to see their police tackling crime and preventing antisocial behaviour; protecting the vulnerable and reducing the number of victims.
“A little over a year on and we are now seeing a reduction in crime, including burglary and violent crime, lower antisocial behaviour and fewer victims of crime.
“Durham Constabulary is a privilege to lead and an amazing place to work. I look forward to working with the PCC to deliver the meaningful action needed to make a long-term difference to County Durham and Darlington.”
In agreeing the contract, the PCC said the Chief Constable had successfully met all recruitment uplift targets and was driving further improvements through with the introduction of a Chief Constable Delivery Plan.
In terms of performance, the most recent figures show that crime in County Durham and Darlington has been reduced by 6.8% in the last year, including a 13.1% cut in violent crime, while residential burglary has fallen by almost 5% over the last year and the force is in the top four in terms of detections.
Alongside significant knowledge, experience and understanding of Durham’s policing needs, the PCC said Rachel Bacon shared her determination to cut crime, reduce reoffending and place victims and witnesses at the heart of the justice system.
Furthermore, Joy Allen said the Chief Constable had already set the force on its journey to working more innovatively and sustainably.
The Chair of the Police and Crime Panel has been notified of the PCC’s decision.
Ends
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