This is my first newsletter since the Government’s sudden announcement the other week: that the role of Police and Crime Commissioner will be abolished after the 2028 elections. 

I first heard the news during an urgent call with the Policing Minister – minutes before her announcement in parliament – and I was taken by surprise. I have always believed in the role of the PCC – a vital link between communities and policing—making sure your voice is heard and doing the important job of holding our police to account.

While this change brings uncertainty, it also brings opportunity. I’ll be working closely with Government and local partners to help shape what comes next, ensuring strong local accountability and continued support for victims.

Most importantly, nothing changes in the work we’re doing for you right now and we remain focused on the priorities I set in our plan for safer streets and stronger communities. I am proud of the fantastic work my team delivers alongside our police and partners and we will continue to build on that success as we navigate this transition together.

Best wishes,

Susan Dungworth
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner

Priority 1: 

Engaged and responsive police force
Earlier this month Northumbria Police hosted their Pride in Policing awards - an event honouring outstanding police officers, staff and volunteers too. Our volunteers give their free time and energy to make a real difference, and the award went to someone who has shown what a vital part of the team our Specials are - Special Constable Adam Pickering.

Adam has volunteered nearly 6,500 hours to Roads Policing since 2021, often working full shifts (including over the festive period) to support road safety across the Force—equivalent to over 100 full shifts per year.

To Adam and all our winners, nominees and everyone who plays their part in policing and responding to the needs of the - thank you.

We’re also grateful to all our external sponsors for funding the event.

Priority 2: 

Crime and antisocial behaviour
November also saw me launch my £100,000 Commissioner’s Community Fund where I’m inviting local organisations to look ahead to the new year with project ideas to make communities feel safer, stronger, and more connected.

Using money recovered by Police under the Proceeds of Crime Act (PoCA), this fund is about reinvesting money back into communities and helping prevent crime in future.

I’m looking to help fund workshops, mentoring programmes, diversionary activities and more - and I look forward to hearing ideas to help your local neighbourhood.

Applications are now open from today, Monday 24 November and will close at 12pm midday on Wednesday 7th January 2026. More information here.

Priority 3: 

Serious violence and organised crime
Sceptre activity was in full swing this month, doubling down on those carrying knives and bringing harm to our communities. 

Northumbria Police ran a range of operations – some targeted high-risk perpetrators and others involved test purchases. Work was also supported with targeted patrol activity through Project Shield, funded by my office and education in schools and the community supported by Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit. 

We also had the unveiling of an impactful bench at The Pavilion in Blyth – made by a terrific bunch of local students through Northumberland Skills and made entirely from confiscated and blunted knives. My thanks go to all involved for using their skills, creativity, and compassion to take a stand against knife crime. Read more.

Priority 4: 

Violence against women and girls
HOW SAFE ARE WE?

That’s the new vulnerability awareness package rolled out this month by the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit – as part of its winter safety campaign, helping more people to spot the risks and keep others safe.

Staff from the popular South Shields venue Arbeia – owned by pop star Jade Thirlwall, who has backed the training – were among the first to take part, along with colleagues from nearby pubs, clubs and food outlets.

These practical sessions give people the skills to recognise signs of vulnerability, assess risk and step in to support someone when they need it most. More information here.

Priority 5: 

Hate crime and community cohesion
It was great to call into Bensham Grove Community Centre the other day - visiting the brilliant Gateshead Visible Ethnic Minorities Support Group / Gem Arts.  

With funding help from my office through my Commissioner’s Community Fund, they’ve been doing brilliant work delivering impactful workshops and creative interventions to tackle racism and hate crime – key priorities of my Police and Crime Plan.

We discussed a range of topics from the impact of recent protests and how we can work together to engage with ethnic minorities and the wider community to promote community cohesion across Newcastle and Gateshead. 

I’m thankful for all they do to raise aspirations, build strong communities and break down barriers.

Priority 6: 

Victims and justice
We are currently in the throes of 16 Days of Activism. This time is a powerful reminder of why my office delivers so much work around tackling Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).

As your Police and Crime Commissioner, it means: standing with survivors, driving change and accountability for perpetrators, and strengthening the systems that keep people safe.

There are so many events happening across the region over the next few weeks, and while this campaign lasts 16 days, our commitment to ending abuse must continue every day of the year. Over the next 2.5 years in post, I’m committed to working with all our brilliant partners to keep driving forward with meaningful, lasting change.
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