New university partnership to benefit the area

Leaders from the three organisations agreed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Wednesday, July 24.

 

Chief Constable Rachel Bacon, Commissioner Joy Allen and Professor Karen O’Brien, Vice-Chancellor of the University, signed the agreement at the University’s Calman Learning Centre.

 

The institutions are already working together to promote safety and the economic development of the area. University research is informing policy, and the three work together on training and professional development.

 

The MoU further formalises the relationship and will lead to further collaboration, including on joint projects, the introduction of new technologies, and further areas of University research.

 

Chief Constable Rachel Bacon said: “Durham Constabulary is keen to strengthen its work with Durham University to build on the trust and confidence in our communities.

 

“We are relentlessly pursuing criminals and preventing crime and anti-social behaviour. My team of dedicated officers and staff are working together to deliver for the people of County Durham and Darlington.

 

“Partners like Durham University can only enhance this work and help not only with crime prevention and problem-solving but provide vital support and welfare to our teams.

 

“The Memorandum of Understanding will provide greater opportunities between our organisations to take further steps forward.”

 

Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen said: “Durham University’s work has already enhanced our understanding and approach to many areas of crime and policing, both locally and nationally, including gender-based violence and staff wellbeing.

 

“We are fortunate to have built strong and fruitful relationships with the institution and are utilising the ground-breaking research undertaken to improve safety for those who live and work in County Durham and Darlington and beyond.

 

“This MoU outlines our commitment to continuing the good work and identifying further areas of study to improve safety for our communities and the effectiveness of crime investigation while embracing all the advances modern technology has to offer policing.”

 

Professor Karen O’Brien, Vice-Chancellor of Durham University, said: “Placing our existing strong relationships with Durham Constabulary and the Office of the Durham Police and Crime Commissioner on this more formal footing means we can do more together to benefit our communities and neighbourhoods.

 

“We are already working well together for the safety and economic development of our area, informed by our research in areas including domestic abuse, violence and online harm, and in training and development.

 

“This Memorandum of Understanding will spur us to go even further, including in computer science, data management, and exploring the potential of AI, for the benefit of the people of our city, county and region.”