More about this area

The force says...

Durham Constabulary force area covers 1,051 square miles serving a population of 636,897, including a diverse university population of 20,268. Minority ethnic groups make up 2.2% percent of the resident population.

Demographics are varied, with both urban and rural communities, some affluent, others with significant deprivation.

Durham Constabulary operates on a budget of £131.3m (2020/21) and has a below-average precept. Its medium-term financial plan shows a balanced position over coming years and small deficits thereafter. Continued uncertainty in respect of the funding formula represents a significant financial risk moving forward.

The force lives its values of positive, fair, courageous with integrity that support the force vision of delivering excellent policing, inspiring confidence in victims and communities by protecting neighbourhoods, tackling criminals and solving problems around the clock, and proud to deliver value for money policing across County Durham and Darlington.

In 2020/21 the force dealt with 162,800 incidents and recorded 55,571 crimes while maintaining service to victims and the public during the pandemic.

The force works with two local authorities and many other partners, exploring and delivering innovative and forward-thinking methods to reduce demand through problem solving, crime prevention, collaboration and community engagement.

The force seeks to maximise all opportunities to address high harm and vulnerability. Problem solving initiatives include the Checkpoint Offender Diversion scheme and Reducing Harm in the medium risk cohort of domestic abuse offenders (MATAC) both of which have achieved international recognition.

The force works extensively with academia including Durham University Business School to carry out an annual staff survey and implement the learning.

Durham aims to be digitally capable and competent and has launched a Digital Leadership Programme at Gold, Silver and Bronze levels, which helps officers and staff to maximise the opportunities that the technology presents to them and react to cyber threats.

Disclaimer: the above statement has been prepared by Durham Constabulary. The views and information in it are not necessarily those of HMICFRS.