PCC asks you to set the questions

Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen is inviting residents to get involved in her scrutiny meeting focused on trust and confidence in policing.

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Trust and confidence in policing has declined over recent years, with a recent survey showing that nationally, over half of the adult population has little confidence in the police to tackle crime effectively where they live.

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Whilst this can be down individual experience, many people have little or no contact with the police, so base their views on media reports, social media commentary and word of mouth.  The position has been made worse by recent high profile police misconduct cases, which have shocked the nation.  

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This lack of trust makes it harder for police officers and staff to do their jobs, damaging the fundamental principle of ‘policing by consent’.

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As County Durham and Darlington Police and Crime Commissioner, Joy Allen has prioritised rebuilding trust and confidence in local policing.  This is why her next Public Accountability Meeting will focus on the issue.

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Public Accountability Meetings are just one way in which the Commissioner holds the Chief Constable to account for police performance.  They focus on a key strand of work to enable indepth scrutiny of force performance.

Residents and business owners are invited to submit questions ahead of the meeting which will be answered by the Chief Constable, Police and Crime Commissioner or senior officers as part of the agenda.  

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At the next meeting, which will be held on Tuesday 4 March, the Commissioner will receive an update from the force on the work underway to improve public trust and confidence in policing and community safety.  

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She hopes that the public will put forward questions that not only help her to scrutinise force performance but also highlight areas where improvement or change is necessary

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Commissioner Joy Allen said: “I cannot emphasise enough how important it is local people share their views by questioning the force. The issues that are important to residents and businesses are important to me and help me identify where improvements are needed.

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“This is their opportunity to share their frustrations and concerns.  This is their chance to illustrate why their trust and confidence in policing is waning, so that we can address these problems.

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“We are working hard to build trust and confidence in the work we do to improve public safety as this has a huge bearing on how safe people feel. We have made huge strides, particularly in relation to our public contact processes, but we can and will do more. Please make your voice count by submitting any questions or concerns you have in advance of the meeting to help us understand what we are doing well and what we could do better.”  

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The deadline for submission of questions is Wednesday 26 February 2025. Please email: General.EnquiriesPCC@durham-pcc.gov.uk.

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Ends

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