More about this area

The force says...

Durham Constabulary force area covers 1051 square miles serving a residential population of 618,200, including a university population of 18,031. Minority ethnic groups make up 3 percent of the resident population.

Durham Cathedral is a world heritage site attracting many visitors. Demographics are varied, with both urban and rural communities, some affluent, others with significant deprivation. Four prisons operate in the area, one being a reception prison serving Durham, Newcastle, Teesside and Cumbria.

Durham Constabulary operates on a budget of £116.2m (2018/19) 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 works with two local authorities and many other partners, exploring and delivering innovative and forward-thinking methods to reduce demand through problem solving, collaboration and community engagement.

The force works extensively with academia including Durham University Business School regarding the staff survey.

Victims and the public are placed at the heart of everything we do and victim satisfaction continues to be a key measure.

The force operates with 1128 officers, 154 community support officers, 989 staff, 66 special constables, and 81 volunteers.

In 2017/18 the force dealt with 185,573 incidents and recorded 61,362 crimes which represents a 32 percent increase from 2016/2017.

Demand grows in volume and complexity, particularly where vulnerabilities exist, for example sexual offences, domestic abuse, fraud and digital offending.

The force has developed a bespoke records management, tasking and briefing system, which has also been adopted by Cumbria Police.

Durham leads a national project to meet the challenges of policing in a digital world in partnership with Gloucestershire and Essex. Initiatives include Checkpoint, Mutual Gain, Intervene to Protect a Child and Mini Police.

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