(Image: Gary Walsh)
County Durham’s Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen has reported progress on her crime and justice plan, including better victim support and continued investment in prevention services.
The update comes in a new performance report covering April to June from County Durham and Darlington PCC Joy Allen.
The report tracks progress on her Police, Crime and Justice Plan, built around six priorities shaped by public feedback.
Ms Allen said: "We've made a strong start to the year, and that is thanks to the dedication, professionalism and commitment of everyone working to keep County Durham and Darlington safe, including our officers, staff, volunteers, partners and local communities.
"This report marks the beginning of year two of my Police, Crime and Justice Plan at a time when policing and the wider criminal justice system continue to face increasing pressures, with demand growing in both scale and complexity.
"Despite these challenges, progress remains strong.
"Over the past quarter we have delivered more visible policing, expanded opportunities for vulnerable people to access support and break the cycle of crime, and invested further in rural crime prevention to protect communities and livelihoods.
"These improvements are already making a difference.
"They are helping to build public confidence, ensuring victims receive the support they need and strengthening the foundations laid during the first year of my Plan.
"By maintaining this momentum, we can continue to create safer, stronger and more resilient communities for the future."
The report highlights better victim support, including a Victims Needs Assessment examining the experiences of people affected by serious violence, sexual violence, domestic abuse and antisocial behaviour.
It also reports progress on prevention and early intervention.
That includes continued funding for Darlington’s Street Friends scheme, where trained paramedics patrol the town centre at night to provide medical help.
Youth diversion schemes such as BetaWays have also received continued support to help at-risk young people build confidence and life skills.
In May, Ms Allen’s Justice Round the Table project brought national experts together to examine barriers facing women’s rehabilitation in the justice system.
They discussed short sentences, trauma, substance misuse and housing.
The project has already helped shape housing, treatment and recovery programmes tailored to women.
Other reported gains include 27 per cent shorter call waits, 21 per cent fewer abandoned calls and a 15 per cent fall in offences linked to the Fatal Four: drink- or drug-driving, failing to wear a seatbelt, using a mobile phone and speeding.
Operation Snap has also attracted strong public engagement, allowing people to upload dashcam footage of dangerous driving.
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Drug Testing on Arrest reached its highest level yet, with more than 70 per cent of eligible people screened in June.
Police also logged 3,188 hours in crime hotspots targeting antisocial behaviour and serious violence.
Eleven new PCSOs joined the force during the quarter.