BRIEFING – March-April 2026

Delivering on Your Priorities

Everything I do as your Police and Crime Commissioner is driven by what you tell me matters most: safer communities, stronger neighbourhood policing, support for victims, and safer roads.

This update shows how I am delivering on those priorities, with real investment, real action, and real results, aligned to my Police, Crime and Justice Plan. 

Putting Victims First

Supporting victims is not just a priority, it is a promise backed by action and investment.

A new beginning for survivors of sexual violence

I am proud to have reopened The Meadows Sexual Assault Referral Centre following a major transformation.

With an investment of £101,667, this facility now provides a safe, modern and compassionate environment where survivors can access specialist care, all under one roof. This is about dignity, recovery and ensuring no victim faces trauma alone.

Read more here.

Targeted support for those most at risk

I have secured and invested £132,000 to expand the vital work of the HALO Project, ensuring Black and minoritised women and girls receive culturally appropriate, specialist support.

This investment responds directly to increased demand and is strengthened further through partnership funding with Durham County Council, ensuring more victims can access life-changing support.

Read more here.

Stronger support when it matters most

I have significantly increased funding for Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs), with investment rising from £280,530 to £375,376 in 2026/27.

This uplift ensures more survivors receive timely, expert support at every stage of their recovery, because when someone finds the courage to come forward, the system must be ready.

Read more here. 

Safer People, Safer Places

Early intervention to prevent crime

In Spennymoor, I have invested over £5,250 to support a new youth club aimed at diverting young people away from crime and anti-social behaviour.

This is about tackling root causes early, providing positive opportunities and preventing young people from entering the criminal justice system in the first place.

Read more here.

Safer Neighbourhoods

Taking action on anti-social behaviour

You told me anti-social behaviour is a major concern, and I am taking action.

With one in four ASB incidents previously linked to alcohol in Durham City, I have supported a stronger enforcement approach, including funding of £1,655 for specialist testing equipment to help officers identify and seize hidden alcohol.

This is practical, visible action to restore pride in our communities and make public spaces safer.

Read more here.

Putting your voice at the centre of policing

Nearly 70% of residents told me visible neighbourhood policing is a top priority.

That’s why I am holding the force to account, bringing your questions directly into public scrutiny meetings and ensuring senior officers answer to the communities they serve.

Read more here. 

Safer Countryside

Listening and acting in our communities

From Consett to Weardale, I am out in our communities hearing directly from residents and businesses.

I have also invested over £5,000 in high-tech security equipment to help deter crime and protect rural communities, ensuring they are not overlooked and receive the protection they deserve.

Read more here.

Safer Roads

Fighting to save lives on our roads

Too many lives are lost on our roads, and I will not accept that.

I continue to lead national work to introduce Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL), learning from Northern Ireland where reforms are already protecting young drivers.

This is one of the most evidence-based interventions available, and I will continue to push for change to prevent future tragedies.

Read more here.

Tackling Crime and Protecting Communities

Relentless action on drug crime

Working with partners, we have taken decisive action against organised crime.

During County Lines Intensification Week:

• 18 arrests were made
• Over £100,000 in criminal cash was seized

This is about disrupting organised crime networks and protecting our communities from the harm they cause.

Read more here.

Leading Change Nationally

Alongside delivering locally, I am working at a national level to drive change on the issues that matter most to our communities.

This includes leading efforts to improve the safety of young and newly qualified drivers, bringing together experts, campaigners and bereaved families to shape future reforms that will save lives. I am determined that the progress we are seeing elsewhere in the UK is matched here.

I am also working to tackle the growing harm caused by gambling and addiction, engaging with national leaders and organisations to push for stronger protections, better awareness and more effective support for those affected.

Through my national role, I am supporting work to prevent drug-related harm by bringing together policing, health and community partners to share what works and ensure prevention and early intervention are at the heart of our response.

At the same time, I continue to play a leading role in shaping the future of policing, contributing to national discussions on police funding, reform and leadership to ensure our communities get the resources and service they deserve.

This work matters because the challenges we face locally are often shaped by national decisions and I will continue to ensure our communities have a strong voice at the table.

A Clear Commitment

There is more to do but the direction is clear.

You told me your priorities. I am acting on them, with real investment and real results.

And I will continue to:

• Fight for safer communities
• Put victims first
• Hold policing to account
• Deliver the improvements you expect and deserve

County Durham & Darlington Police & Crime Commissioner