Well, my second newsletter looks a little different to what I imagined as it’s been a far from ordinary month for our police force and our communities due to the civil unrest that has rocked pockets of our region, and the rest of the country. And so, I want to start with words of thanks to everyone who has played a part in seeing us through these dark times, which are hopefully behind us.

Over the course of the month, we have seen people at their very worst, displaying abhorrent behaviours and causing harm to others - leaving people in shock, fear and disgust.

It has also been a time where we have seen people at their best too. The way in which Sunderland picked itself up and brushed itself down was inspiring and did its people proud. Also, the way the people of Newcastle came out in force to stand up to racism and violence was an empowering force of good. I really want how our communities defiantly came together in the aftermath of the disorder to be our biggest take-way from what happened. It all serves as a true reminder of the friendly, supportive, and compassionate values of our area – values so many of us uphold and will help us in the fight against racism.

I will continue to do everything in my power to work towards safer streets and stronger communities for everyone.

Best wishes,
 
Susan Dungworth
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner
Help for victims in light of recent disorder

Over the course of the month I've spent time with organisations like the Angelou Centre and RCTN. I’ve heard first-hand the devastating impact that the recent civil unrest had on their services, and those they so brilliantly support. There were stories of people too scared to leave the house to attend counselling sessions and helplines forced to close as staff have been too fearful to head into the office.

To help victims recover from recent events I commissioned hate crime support service, Connected Voice, to make enhanced support available to support those affected.

Read more here.
New education package unveiled by Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit

As well as supporting victims and helping recovery efforts in the here and now, we know there needs to be long-term change and role the role education plays in this is vital.

That’s why powerful awareness sessions have been developed by the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit and Northumbria Police’s Prevent Team to educate young people on the risks of violent disorder, rioting and joint enterprise, along with the consequences of being involved.

Read more here.
 
Project Shield sees transport ASB fall by 30 per cent

In my last newsletter I spoke about the launch of Project Shield which sees partners across the force area coming together to tackle ASB in identified areas of concern – and what an impact the project is already having.

Incidents of ASB in these areas have fallen by 30 per cent and we are hopeful that as increased patrols continue this number will grow further and help deliver safer streets and stronger communities. It was good to join Northumbria Police and Nexus staff out on the metro in North Tyneside the other weekend so I could see this good work in action.

Read more here.
Police and Crime Plan Consultation update....


More than 3000 of you have shared your thoughts and views to help shape my new Police and Crime plan for the area and I am grateful to each and every one of you who took the time to respond to my survey online or for taking part in a range of roundtable events I have hosted.

We’ve covered hot topics such as Violence Against Women and Girls, retail crime and rural policing. I’ve also had engagement sessions with youth organisations including NE Youth in Blaydon and Young Asian Voices in Sunderland and Buffalo Community centre in Blyth. From more local youth activities, to increased support in schools, we discussed it all and have plenty to take away and feed into the development of my new Police and Crime Plan.

Have your say here.
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