New plan to for tackling crime and support victims unveiled

Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg yesterday set out his vision , the outcomes he wishes to achieve, and 12 key priorities which he will focus on over the period to 2021.

The refreshed plan builds on the foundations of the previous plan, and sets out Mr Hogg's new vision, which is: “County Durham and Darlington are areas where all communities are safe, victims and vulnerable people feel supported, crime and reoffending are low, and people have confidence in policing and the criminal justice system."

Mr Hogg said putting victims first remains the “golden thread of the plan, with a stronger emphasis on reducing re-offending”.

Speaking at the launch of the plan, he said: “The emphasis on reducing re-offending into my new plan is key.

“No one asks to be a victim, and they should be fully supported to help them cope and recover from their ordeal.

“We have a number of services in place to help victims to do this. We are continually evaluating our services and looking to make improvements.”

He added: “The number of victims will be reduced if we can reduce the levels of re-offending. We are forward thinking about the options available to help us tackle these issues, and we are finding the use of diversion schemes such as Checkpoint are having a far greater impact upon reducing reoffending rates, than the traditional criminal justice methods.

“I am keen to focus on arrangements for people who leave prison, as no one should leave without access to finance, healthcare and housing.

“These are basic needs and if they are not met then offenders can revert back to their old ways just to get by. We need to change this to give people the best chance possible, and to reduce the number of victims.”

Mr Hogg was joined at the launch by representatives from the Police and Crime Panel, Durham Constabulary, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, Durham County Council, and HMP Durham.

The new plan can be found at www.durham-ppc.gov.uk