PCC launches major engagement project giving young people a pivotal role in fighting crime

Thousands of young people across County Durham and Darlington are being invited to share their thoughts on crime and policing as part of a major youth consultation.

Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen has launched two new surveys as part of her mission to give young people a greater say on the issues impacting their safety and to involve them in designing solutions.

The County Durham and Darlington PCC has vowed to develop a ‘Youth Police, Crime and Justice Plan’, prioritising action on the issues young people raise through the surveys.

So far, the PCC’s team has consulted more than 650 young people through two surveys, one specifically designed for primary school aged pupils which has been shared at prevention carousel workshops, and a wider survey for all ages which has been promoted at key summer events including Sedgefield Medieval Fair, the opening ceremony of the Knife Angel in Newton Aycliffe and Durham Pride.

The PCC’s team is now contacting all primary schools across the force area to encourage further online responses.

Furthermore, in September two further surveys will be rolled out, one to secondary schools and another to young people in college, university or in employment, to ensure the project captures the voice of all young people aged from nine up to 22 (or 25 for those young people in SEND provision).

The findings will be used alongside national data to build the foundations of the Plan, which will be published later this year.

Commissioner Joy Allen said: “We’ve had a positive response to the surveys so far and the team has been impressed with the maturity and wisdom the young people have shown in their answers. Our aim is to engage with as many young people as possible to ensure the Youth Plan is a true representation of how our young people feel and so the team will be busy throughout the summer and autumn collecting more responses.

“Young people are much more likely to become victims of crime than any other age group. They experience crime in their homes, communities, online and even in schools – places they should feel safe. The risk increases in areas of higher deprivation. It makes absolute sense to involve them and encourage their perspective as we design new approaches to protecting them.

“When young people feel heard and respected by the police, they are more likely to trust the police and cooperate with them, leading to increased community safety. Since 2021, when I was first elected, I have worked hard to create new platforms to get young people more involved in policing. We are still one of only a few forces nationally to run both a junior and senior police cadet section, for example, and my Commissioner’s Challenge scheme has actively engaged thousands of young people across the force area.

“When given responsibility and opportunity, young people can make a positive difference to the world around them – and this benefits society – so I will continue to do everything I can to give them a voice and a prominent role.”

Approach Too manager Glenys Newby, who worked with the Commissioner’s team in developing the survey, said: “Children really understand what’s going on around them, they’re experts in their own lives. They know the damage crime and anti-social behaviour can do, not just to them but to their families and the wider community.

“That’s why it’s so important that their voices are heard. They’ve worked hard on past surveys and really value the opportunity to share their thoughts directly with Durham’s Police and Crime Commissioner again.

“When we give young people the space to speak up and be taken seriously, they start to help bring about meaningful change.”

Protecting Vulnerable Young People is a key theme in the Commissioner’s Police, Crime and Justice Plan, under her priority ‘Safer People Safer Places’.  

Among several commitments focused on young people, the Commissioner has pledged to develop a Youth Police Crime and Justice Plan and carry out regular youth voice surveys throughout her tenure to establish children and young people’s views about police, crime and safety.

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