A message from Durham Police and Crime Commissioner... Policing starts with you, not Whitehall.

Policing only works when it reflects your life, your street and your concerns. That is the principle of policing by consent, and it is why your voice must matter when decisions are made about policing priorities and funding.

Right now, that principle is under threat.

As the Government launches its police reform White Paper, there is a real risk that power over policing is pulled further towards the centre, with decisions increasingly made far from the communities they affect, and with less influence for the people who live with the consequences.

What you have told me locally shows exactly why the publics voice matters.

Across County Durham and Darlington, I recently asked local residents for their views on policing and council tax precept. 

I asked whether you would be prepared to pay more to support local policing, the response was clear. Nearly half of you said you would be willing to pay £20 or more a year, with many others prepared to contribute smaller amounts. Only a minority said you would not pay more at all.

That tells me something important: you care about policing. You care enough to invest. but only if that investment reflects what you see and experience every day.

Your views directly shape how I set the police budget each year. I have to balance affordability with a very clear message from residents: you want visible neighbourhood policing, safer roads and action on the crimes that most affect everyday life.

That is why I continue to argue for fair funding and greater flexibility locally, so communities like ours can invest in what we value most, including increasing officer numbers in neighbourhoods where they are needed most.

When you told me your policing priorities, the message was consistent.

You want neighbourhood officers who know their area and turn up when needed.

You want safer roads, with a focus on speeding, drink and drug driving, and mobile phone use.

You want firm action on drug dealing, antisocial behaviour and serious violence that makes people feel unsafe in their own communities.

For many families and young people  across Durham and Darlington, road safety is a major concern. Especially speeding through our towns and villages, drink and drug driving and inappropriate mobile phones use. Preventing this harm depends on visible, proactive policing.

This is where elected Police and Crime Commissioners matter. My role is to listen to you and turn your priorities into action on the ground.

Here in Durham and Darlington, you know what you want: officers you recognise, safer roads for your families, and action on the everyday crime that chips away at confidence. 

I am delighted you are prepared to pay more for policing, in return I will ensure your voice is allowed to shape the policing service you pay for and rely on.

Policing by consent does not start in Whitehall. It starts here with you in County Durham and Darlington and together we will use this investment to make our communities safer, stronger and more resident to crime and anti social behaviour!