Last Friday I met 45 new recruits as they began their first week of training with Northumbria Police. I spoke about my role, our local priorities and wished them safe, successful and rewarding careers ahead.

The room was packed with lots of young, very enthusiastic officers – who have all chosen a job dedicated to serving the public and protecting people.

Not too long ago, PC Jess Turnbull was in that room with a promising career ahead of her. Tragically, this was taken from her, and she died on duty when responding to a collision on the A189 Spine Road in Cramlington at the start of the month.

Jess’ loss has been a reminder to us all of the risks police officers face, and I am grateful to everyone who chooses to put on a uniform each day committed to doing their best to keep our communities safe.

It’s been a difficult month for Northumbria Police and Jess’ family, friends and colleagues continue to be in my thoughts.

Best wishes,
Susan Dungworth
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner

Priority 1: 

Engaged and responsive police force

Operation Capio in action in South Tyneside 

Motorcycle anti-social behaviour is one of the biggest issues you tell me about.
 
It’s not just a bit of fun – it presents serious risks to those riding the bikes and the wider community.
 
On Friday night I saw our plain-clothed neighbourhood cops in action in South Shields proactively responding to concerns having spotted a Sur-Ron bike on Ocean Road - worth approximately six thousand pounds. 
 
Some more plain-clothed officers were in the West Park area on Sunday too, where they spotted another brightly coloured Sur-Ron. 
 
Both bikes were subsequently seized and taken off the streets demonstrating Northumbria Police’s ongoing commitment to taking action against motorcycle-related ASB as part of Operation Capio.

Priority 2: 

Crime and antisocial behaviour

Good vibes in Gateshead

In a recent newsletter I praised the brilliant work of the Good Vibes DJ Project in Gateshead Town Centre.
 
Well, I’m pleased to say it has now received national recognition at the Town and City Management Industry Awards for helping to steer young people away from violence and anti-social behaviour. 
 
Developed by Gateshead Football Club Foundation and delivered by Northern Pulse, the sessions give young people the chance to learn DJing, develop MC skills and build confidence through music, while also finding a sense of purpose and belonging in their local area. 
 
Good Vibes is part of a wider programme of prevention work funded by the Young Futures Prevention Panel in Gateshead, a multi-agency initiative bringing together the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit, Gateshead Council, and local drug and alcohol services to better support young people. 
 
Congratulations to all involved.

Priority 3: 

Serious violence and organised crime

Sceptre success

·      333 knives handed into police surrender bins
·      106 arrests made
·      584 young people educated 
·      62 practitioners received knife crime awareness training
·      Targeted patrols underway through Project Guardian

These are just some of the great results from the latest Sceptre, the national week of action tackling knife crime.

Northumbria Police has removed hundreds of dangerous weapons from our streets, making arrests, and disrupting violence before it escalates.

But work around education and prevention is so important too, and I am pleased with the work from the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit, community engagement teams and our local partners – all were busy reaching out to young people, listening to them, and making sure they are equipped to make safer, more informed choices.

Priority 4: 

Violence against women and girls

VAWG summer of action

As the weather heats up, we traditionally see a rise in domestic abuse reports and that’s why here at the OPCC we are having a VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls) summer of action. From hair and beauty salons to our busy shopping centres, the team will be out engaging with people over the coming weeks to help raise awareness of the support that’s available.

My office commissions a range of services helping those worried they’re in an abusive relationship and also programmes working directly with people using harmful and controlling behaviours helping them to make positive changes.

Support for those who have experienced abuse:

Locally commissioned victim services directory - https://northumbria-pcc.gov.uk/.../victims-services.../

Support for those worried about their own behaviour:

Priority 5: 

Hate crime and community cohesion

Race For Peace

It was great to join so many people at the Race for Peace in Newcastle earlier this month.

At a time when division and hatred can feel all too common, events like this matter. Bringing together people of different faiths, cultures and backgrounds sends a powerful message - our communities are stronger when we stand together.

A huge thank you to The DiverCity Hub for organising and all who joined to support.

Priority 6: 

Victims and justice

£3.6 million invested in a range of specialist services 

I was pleased to start the month by announcing that through my Supporting Victims Programme I’m investing over £3.6 million in a range of specialist services supporting victims of crime across Northumbria.

Among those receiving funding are Everyturn and Children North East, who provide dedicated support for children and young people affected by crime throughout Northumberland, Tyne and Wear.

I recently visited both organisations at the new Nook Safe Haven in Newcastle and saw first-hand how they are helping young victims recover, rebuild confidence and move forward with specialist support. I know this work will make a real difference.
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