Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen has announced a series of countywide visits giving people the chance to voice their views on crime and policing.
As the County Durham and Darlington PCC prepares to publish her Police and Crime Plan 2024-29, her team will be visiting village shows, farmers markets and other public events over the coming weeks to meet local people and find out what improvements are needed to make them feel safer.
The PCC recently launched a major new survey to gather feedback on some of the most pressing issues impacting public safety including anti-social behaviour (ASB), drug use and dealing, dangerous driving, off-road bikes and crime reporting.
As an under-funded force with finite resources and intense demand pressures, the PCC is keen to ensure every pound counts and is asking local people where they believe the force can make a bigger difference in reducing crime and protecting people from becoming victims.
The Commissioner and her engagement team have already visited numerous areas across County Durham and Darlington and will be on-hand to chat to the public at other events across the area.
Commissioner Allen said: “Our aim is to speak to residents from all walks of life and backgrounds so that we understand clearly how crime impacts our different communities. This is why the events programme is so varied with visits to farmers markets, youth centres and community facilities among the engagements planned.
“I cannot over emphasise how seriously we value the public’s feedback. My Police and Crime Plan is the public’s Police and Crime Plan. The issues that are important to residents are important to me and these views will be studied carefully, alongside detailed crime data and letters and emails to my office from residents, to ensure my future work is relevant to the lives of those who live and work here and will make a tangible difference.
“Regrettably, we do not have an endless pot of money, and every single penny is precious. My Plan will dictate where our finite resources will be directed, so please come along to one of our events and make your voice count – you will play a key role in making our communities safer, stronger and more resilient to crime.”
There is still time to complete the PCC’s survey at: https://online1.snapsurveys.com/h2kw97
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