Joy Allen, the Police and Crime Commissioner for County Durham and Darlington, announced on 6 February 2026 that residents are being invited to share their views on neighbourhood policing to help decide where officers should focus their time. The public consultation gives local people a formal mechanism to influence how patrols and resources are prioritised in their streets, villages and neighbourhoods.
The aim is to ensure the police tackle the issues that matter most to residents, such as anti-social behaviour and drug-related crime. The invitation for public input follows the PCC’s recent decision to raise the policing element of council tax so the force can maintain officer numbers at 1,379; the PCC’s office says the increase is intended to protect neighbourhood policing and PCSO numbers.
Residents can give feedback through digital surveys or by attending PACT meetings (Police and Communities Together). PACT meetings are a regular way for people to meet with local officers and set local policing priorities.
PCC Joy Allen said the public had made neighbourhood policing a top priority and that she had made it a central focus for the coming year. Chief Constable Rachel Bacon — who is responsible for the operational delivery of policing in County Durham and Darlington — said when she joined Durham Constabulary her clear focus was on neighbourhood policing and that it is at the core of her Three-Year Delivery Plan.
The force is also trialling anti-crime “Safer Pods” (CCTV/monitoring pods). A Safer Pod was deployed in Seaham in January 2026 as part of work to reduce arson, antisocial behaviour and retail crime; earlier trials have been linked to drops in shoplifting in identified areas. The PCC has indicated public feedback will help decide where such mobile resources are deployed next.
