PCC and Chief Constable welcome extra investment in neighbourhood policing

Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen and Chief Constable Rachel Bacon have reacted swiftly to welcome the Government’s plans to double its investment in Neighbourhood Policing across England and Wales – taking the total amount to £200m.

This funding will boost the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee and see additional officers, community support officers and special constables on the streets in Neighbourhood Policing roles.

Reacting to the announcement, County Durham and Darlington Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen said: “This funding is a huge boost for Neighbourhood Policing in our area, something that has been urgently needed. 

“I’ve fought vigorously for extra investment to strengthen local policing, and I am delighted the Government has listened to our plight and acted accordingly, following years of real terms cuts to policing.

“The public consistently tell me they want to see additional police officers on their streets and for these officers to be visible and approachable. This priority has not changed since I was first elected, and we owe it to our communities to deliver what they need to feel safer.

“Neighbourhood Policing is the bedrock of British policing and the foundation upon which public confidence and satisfaction is built. 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. I value them very highly which this is why I have fought continuously to protect them since I was first elected in 2021.   

“Developing strong and identifiable Neighbourhood Policing Teams who deliver what they say they will do and tackle the issues that worry our communities most will be vital for reducing fear and restoring confidence. I am confident with extra boots on the ground and further modernisation, the delivery of Neighbourhood Policing in County Durham and Darlington will only get better.

“With Chief Constable Rachel Bacon leading nationally on Local Policing on behalf of the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), communities across County Durham and Darlington can rest assured that the force will remain a key driver of innovation for the benefit our communities and beyond.”

Chief Constable Rachel Bacon said: “Our Neighbourhood teams are the foundation on which public confidence in policing is built and I absolutely welcome this additional investment of officers and resources to support that vital work.

“Whilst we are yet to see the full detail of our allocation, I am confident that today’s announcement will make communities in County Durham and Darlington safer.

“Neighbourhood teams are at the heart of everything the public tell us they want to see from their police service: our communities want us to tackle crime and prevent antisocial behaviour; to protect the vulnerable and reduce the number of victims.

“Since I joined Durham Constabulary, my clear focus has been on neighbourhood policing, which is at the core of my Three-Year Delivery Plan and I have backed those local teams with extra resources to deliver on that strategy.

“Visible policing and community engagement may not be glitzy and the results are not always instant, but the approach clearly does work in the long term.

“These extra resources will help our neighbourhood police teams to work with local communities to solve local problems, further reducing crime and addressing anti-social behaviour.”