Town Centre, Toronto, Cockton Hill and South Church

I am the Neighbourhood Inspector for the Bishop Auckland area which ranges from Binchester and Middlestone to the east, across Bishop Auckland Town, Coundon and Dene Valley, through West Auckland and Tindale, and out towards our rural villages such as Hamsterley, Evenwood, and Ramshaw.

With over 28 years service I have worked right across the County Durham and Darlington area and – whilst having operated as a Response Inspector in all four localities, I have spent many years within the arena of neighbourhood policing, having worked as a Sergeant at Newton Aycliffe and as Inspector at Durham City.

Arriving in post towards the end of 2023 after having performed the role of Force Incident Manager and Tactical Firearms Commander within the Force’s Control Room, I lead a team of like-minded individuals, passionate about making a difference within the communities we serve, and forging strong links with partners, residents, and other stakeholders. Our drive is the relentless pursuit of those who blight our neighbourhoods through ASB and crime.

My ethos is simple – ‘know your issues and have a plan’.

Fun facts? In my spare time I like to write and keep the cinemas in business!

Dean has been a police officer with Durham Constabulary for almost 24 years. He has worked predominately in the North of the county, in different roles including proactive CID, neighbourhoods and response.

Dean has been a Sergeant over six years and joined the neighbourhood team last February.

Dean is committed to Bishop Auckland, and supports his team to do the best they can for the community, keeping people safe and actively pursuing the people who commit ASB and crime.

Everyone meet Police Sergeant Laura Simpson-Jones.

Laura is the Sergeant for Bishop Auckland West, managing the PC's and PCSO's who serve Tindale Crescent, St Helens Auckland, West Auckland, Evenwood, Ramshaw, Hamsterley, Toft Hill, Etherley, Witton Park, Escomb and Woodhouse Close.

Laura joined Durham Police as a Special Constable in 2012 and joined as a Police Constable in 2016 working in response policing until November 2024, when she transferred into Neighbourhood policing.

Laura got promoted to Sergeant in February 2024 after working temporary in role since late 2022.

Self-described as a local kid, Laura’s values are ‘my patch, my problem’ to ensure that the officers she manages are dedicated to their patch and tackle any issue that rises.

Fun fact: Laura enjoys holidays in the sun and spending time with her family. Keeping policing in the family, her husband also works for Durham Police in Roads and Armed Policing.

Everyone meet PC 9218 Ellie Jones.

Ellie has worked in Bishop Auckland NPT for three years and has worked for Durham Police for over five years now.

Ellie is the PC for Woodhouse Close, Ethlerley Dene, Toft Hill and Witton Park. Ellie is a born problem solver and is passionate about solving problems on her patches.

Fun fact: Ellie loves holidays in the sun and a glass of prosecco!

When you see Ellie in the community, please come and say hello.

Everyone meet PC 9059 James Sewell.

James has worked for Durham Constabulary since 2016 and joined Bishop Auckland NPT in 2022. James is the PC for Cockton Hill, South Church, Henknowle, Bishop Auckland Town centre and Toronto.
James skillset ranges from taser officer to being the resident method of entry officer on the team!

Fun fact: James likes spending time with his family and following his beloved Middlesbrough Football Club around the UK.

Everyone meet PC 9389 Vicky Moran.

Vicky has worked in Bishop Auckland NPT for a year and has worked for Durham Police for three years now. Vicky is the PC for Bishop Auckland Town alongside PC Sewell.

Fun fact: Vicky loves to watch and play football along with spending time with her family.

When you see Vicky in the community, please come and say hello.

Everyone meet PCSO 30414 Cara Strophair.
Cara has worked in Bishop Auckland NPT for just under a year now. Cara is the PCSO for Bishop Town, Toronto, Cockton Hill, Henknowle and South Church.
Cara has worked closely with Durham County Council ASB Team, deterring youths from engaging in Nuisance Anti-Social Behaviour.
Cara holds Shop Watch meetings in Bishop Town, engaging with retail and security staff. These dates can be found on our facebook page.

Fun Fact: Cara loves hiking in the Lake District.

Hi all, meet Daniel - our latest PCSO to join the team.

Dan will be the PCSO having responsibility for Coundon, Leeholme, Middlestone, Westerton, Newfield, and Binchester.

Everyone meet PCSO 30492 Matthew Foggin.

Matt is the PSCO for Bishop Auckland town. Matt has only recently joined the team and prior to policing worked for both the Ambulance service and fire service. Matt is keen to hit the ground running and enjoys meeting new people, and helping others.

Everyone meet PCSO 8975 Steph Stoddart.

Steph worked as an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor for 8 years before joining Durham Police as a PCSO 3 years ago. Steph is the PCSO for Dene Valley and has just come back to work following maternity leave.

Fun fact: Steph enjoys spending time with her family including 2 spaniels and is a keen singer. Steph enjoys going to open mic nights when she can!

Steph is looking forward to being back out on foot in the local area, please come and say hello when you see her.

Everyone meet PCSO 30627 Jack Stephenson.

Jack has recently joined the team and is the PCSO for Woodhouse Close, Etherley Dene, Escomb and Witton Park, alongside PC Jones.

Fun fact: Jack loves cars, from classic cars to current day models!