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More than 1,400 residents have responded to a force wide consultation to help Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen determine the direction of policing and crime prevention over the next four years.
The County Durham and Darlington PCC launched an online survey to steer the development of her Police and Crime Plan 2025-29. This was supported by an action-packed face-to-face engagement programme, consisting of 30 events, with the PCC and members of the OPCC team meeting residents, farmers and business owners to gauge their views on policing and crime.
In promising to champion the ‘voice of the people’, the PCC said she was determined to base her improvement plans on issues that matter to the public and will help them feel safer.
In analysing both the online survey findings and face-to-face engagement, the PCC said four issues had emerged as clear public priorities for funding.
These are: Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Nuisance, Serious and Organised Crime, Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), Roads Policing and Policing Visibility.
Other critical issues highlighted include Off-Road Bikes and Drugs and Alcohol.
Commenting on the results, Commissioner Allen said: “Anti-social behaviour has a devastating impact on our communities, and it is no surprise to me that local people have once again raised it as the top issue for policing.
“I am proud of the work that we have already undertaken to increase support for victims of ASB and to respond to these issues in the robust and urgent way the public expect. I want to do more, and I will. This survey has reinforced my view that further investment is necessary to provide our communities with the support and response to ASB they deserve to feel safe in their homes and public spaces.
“Residents have also made clear their expectations for strong and visible policing and their desire for more funding to be channeled into tackling Serious and Organised Crime, VAWG and drug and alcohol-fueled offending. Data shows that alcohol and drugs are repeatedly a factor in so many reports of crime, anti-social behaviour, and serious violence including VAWG. Clearly, we must continue to give alcohol and drug misuse the attention they deserve and take action to reduce the risks in childhood, adolescence and adulthood.
“I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to complete the online survey and share their views at our events. As the public’s representative in policing, it’s important the decisions I make in how our force area is policed reflect the needs of the public and strengthen our community in a way that will help local people feel confident and safe.”
The consultation also gathered feedback on people’s experiences of crime, with 28% of respondents saying they had previously been a victim of crime. Of these, 80% said they had reported the incident to police.
Those who said they had not reported the crime to police cited reasons such as lack of trust, shortage of policing resources, absence of evidence and not wanting to consume police time as influencing their decision.
The PCC has pledged to build trust and confidence in local policing services and will continue to consult and engage with residents and businesses throughout her term to deliver action on the issues that matter most.
Ends
Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen is inviting residents to have their say on how policing will be funded for the upcoming financial year.
Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen has relaunched an interactive safety project to protect children from the risks of online harm and exploitation.
A new initiative to prevent agricultural theft in rural communities has been rolled out across County Durham and Darlington.
