I write this month’s newsletter on the way back from London having attended a busy meeting with PCCs from across the country. This Government’s Police Reform White Paper unveiled this week was certainly a hot topic as it announced plans to make some of the most significant changes to policing in 200 years. 

With proposals including a new National Police Service, police force mergers, new policing targets and significant technology investments; big changes are coming.  I support plans to modernise policing - to ensure officers can respond faster and are better equipped to tackle complex crimes. Plans are very much in their infancy though and we await more detail to better understand what potential new structures and governance could look like for us here in Northumbria. What we do know is there is a real focus and commitment to neighbourhood policing, connecting with communities and addressing the issues that matter to local people - and this has been backed by a welcome national funding boost. We can't be complacent though, ongoing inflation, rising costs and funding changes mean Northumbria Police still faces significant financial pressures to work through to ensure we are effectively meeting local policing needs while offering value for money.

In the meantime, I remain as committed as ever to my role - delivering on the priorities of my plan for safer streets and stronger communities, holding Northumbria Police to account and supporting victim services.

Best wishes,

Susan Dungworth

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner

Priority 1: 

Engaged and responsive police force
New officer training complete

I want to begin by congratulating to all the student police officers and special constables who attended their attestation celebration event earlier this month, marking the start of their careers with Northumbria Police. 

The event was a wonderful opportunity to hear about the training and ambitions of student officers I was able to meet on day one when they joined our police force last year. I also met with their family and friends - who will no doubt be a huge support throughout their careers. What a proud room it was. 

This event marked the completion of their 18-week learning phase with the training team and Northumbria University. Their next step is out serving in their Area Commands.

Priority 2: 

Crime and antisocial behaviour
Friday night is alright! 

Last week I went to visit a youth project in South Shields that’s helping drive down anti-social behaviour by giving young people a new place to hang out and have fun on a Friday night.

It’s run by South Tyneside Council, with its Business and Community Responders and its Youth Service- with funding help from my office through our ASB initiative, Project Shield.

A youth worker told me how she already knew of some of the kids coming to the centre as they had been linked to ASB in the area - due to boredom and lack of facilities. But she said they became different kids at the centre – polite and respectful and engaging with the police. 

This is what a safe place with good food, good music and varied activities can do.

Read more here.

Priority 3: 

Serious violence and organised crime
VRU and partners welcome progress

9% reduction in hospital admissions from sharp objects

4.2% reduction in weapon possession offences

23,298 young people received violence reduction learning

These are just some of the positive results achieved by the Violence Reduction Unit and partners as shared at the Violence Reduction Board last week.

The Board reviewed progress made, explored emerging trends, and discussed new initiatives to deliver even greater impact in the year ahead.

I want to make sure we keep investing in prevention, educating and empowering young people, and supporting families – it all helps towards safer streets and stronger communities.

Priority 4: 

Violence against women and girls
Schools across Northumbria – please make your 2026 plans now 

From September 2026, new RSHE guidance will require schools to teach about stalking, and so I’m encouraging schools to act now by signing up to the Alice Ruggles Trust’s stalking prevention programme, funded by my office.

The programme delivers age-appropriate assemblies that help young people recognise stalking behaviours — including online — and know where to get help. 

More than 3150 students locally have already taken part.

Stalking often starts young and education is one of the most powerful ways we can prevent harm before it escalates.

Schools can register interest by emailing lydia@alicerugglestrust.org

Priority 5: 

Hate crime and community cohesion
Holocaust Memorial Day

Last week, we remembered the victims of the Holocaust, reaffirming the fact: hate has no place in our communities.

As PCC I stand with all those affected by hatred and discrimination. By remembering the past, educating future generations, and strengthening community cohesion, we must keep working to prevent hatred and harm. 

Children and young people from across Newcastle have been learning about the lived experiences of survivors as part of a programme by the Bosnian Genocide Education Trust marked at an event at the Civic yesterday and attended by our Deputy PCC. This is a great example of education to help ensure we never forget the lessons learned from this painful part of Jewish history.

Priority 6: 

Victims and justice
Good policing results ..in the bag! thanks to Operation Canvas:

32 retailers signed up

63 convictions secured

122 weeks’ worth of custodial sentences

17 community orders

Retail crime is not a victimless crime. It harms workers, customers, businesses and communities, and so I welcome these impressive results from Operation Canvas.

The operation is run by police and NE1 Business Improvement District (BID) in Newcastle. It’s a streamlined reporting and prosecution tool, designed to benefit retailers while also taking a hardline approach to persistent offenders.

It’s part of a whole raft of work we have been rolling out in the Northumbria force area as part of the Government’s Winter of Action initiative – and these numbers show how it’s tackling retail crime and delivering results.

 

 
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