PCC unveils new ‘listening surgeries’ as part of her mission to deliver a first-class service to victims of crime

Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen is piloting a new programme of Community Listening Surgeries, giving victims and residents affected by crime and anti-social behaviour a safe and supportive space to share their experiences.

The surgeries will be held across all 12 neighbourhood policing areas in the Durham Constabulary force area, providing local people with the opportunity to speak directly with the County Durham and Darlington PCC within their own communities.

As well as ensuring local voices are heard, the surgeries will help build a deeper understanding of the impact crime and ASB have on individuals and communities. They will also provide victims with information, advice and signposting to PCC-funded support services, while helping to identify emerging issues and trends that can inform future commissioning, policy development and partnership working.

The PCC will also be running a Local Engagement Programme alongside the new surgeries, enabling her to meet with community groups, partners, businesses and seldom-heard communities in each area to host discussions on wider issues impacting victims and public safety.

This feature of the pilot will help the PCC further strengthen relationships with communities, increase the flow of intelligence and feedback into the force and her office and reach residents who may not attend formal meetings.

Victims of crime are front and centre of the PCC’s work and remain the first of six priorities in her Police, Crime and Justice Plan.

The PCC has proudly steered national change through her investment in innovative resources and policy changes that put victims at the centre of the criminal justice system and strengthen their voice.

Announcing the new pilot, Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen said: "Since I was first elected in 2021, I have made it my mission to put victims at the heart of everything I do, recognising them as valued and active participants in the criminal justice system.

"Our new Community Listening Surgeries and Local Engagement Programme build on that commitment. They are designed to identify and remove barriers that may prevent victims from feeling supported, empowered and protected, while ensuring my future investment decisions and service improvements continue to be shaped by the people they are intended to benefit.

"Victims will always be my priority. The only way we can improve confidence in the justice system and earn the trust of victims, both now and in the future, is by listening to their experiences, understanding the challenges they face and using those insights to drive meaningful change.

"That is the foundation of this new programme. However, its benefits extend beyond supporting individual victims. It will also provide valuable insight into the wider impact of crime and anti-social behaviour on our communities, helping us identify where additional support is needed and enabling partners to take action that strengthens resilience, prevents harm and reduces the risk of people becoming victims in the first place."

Surgery appointments will be pre-bookable with dates and areas promoted in advance. The PCC will be joined by her Victims Champions alongside representatives from her Victim Care and Mentor Service (VCAMS).

The 20-minute appointments will take place within a private room within a community venue and to ensure privacy, confidential discussions will involve only those individuals whose attendance is necessary and agreed in advance by the attendee.

The first surgery is due to take place on Saturday 19th September in Peterlee and will be followed by a local engagement meeting.

To book an appointment for this, or any future surgery, contact General.EnquiriesPCC@durham-pcc.gov.uk to request a booking form.

Ends