Before sharing some positive updates from across Northumbria, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on a number of incidents over the past year that have had a profound impact on families, communities and emergency service workers across our region.

We’ve experienced some particularly tragic incidents involving vehicles, including the heartbreaking tragedy on the River Wear a few weeks ago. My thoughts remain with the family and friends of those affected.

I would like to thank all the emergency services and partner organisations involved in the response and ongoing investigation, including Sunderland City Council. Their professionalism and dedication in exceptionally difficult circumstances have been greatly appreciated by the local community and myself.
I also recognise the concerns many residents have raised about serious collisions and road deaths on the A1 and across Northumbria.

A partnership response is underway, with organisations working together to better understand the issues and identify solutions. Increased road policing and enforcement activity has also taken place throughout the summer. I have asked for a full evaluation of this work, including its impact and what further measures are needed to help keep people safe.

While there are no simple answers, I am encouraged by the commitment of partners Improving road safety remains a priority, and we must continue to do all we can to prevent further tragedies.

Best wishes,

Susan

Susan Dungworth
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner

Priority 1: 

Engaged and responsive police force

 

101 improvement programme underway 

 

Ensuring we have an engaged and responsive police force is a top priority for me as Police and Crime Commissioner. One of the issues raised most often by residents when I attend public meetings or am out in the community is 101 call handling times.

I want to be clear that I know response times aren’t good enough and this is an issue I regularly raise with the Chief Constable. Residents will be pleased to know an improvement programme is underway which covers enhanced training, AI-enabled solutions and the new Cobalt Communications Centre - all this is aimed at delivering faster call handling times and a better service for the public.

Priority 2: 

Crime and antisocial behaviour

 

Stronger powers to tackle ASB welcomed 

 

New Respect Orders came into force in October giving police and partners stronger powers to tackle the most persistent anti-social behaviour offenders.

During my Commissioner’s Community Catch Up consultation over the summer, many residents told me how much ASB is a concern. That's why reducing this remains a priority in my refreshed Police and Crime Plan.

 

These new powers will help hold offenders to account while also providing opportunities to address the underlying issues driving their behaviour, helping to prevent reoffending and make our communities safer for everyone.

Priority 3: 

Serious violence and organised crime

 

Boost for early intervention work 

 

This month the Government announced plans to open 42 new Young Futures Hubs across England and the best bit is that three will be here in Northumbria with Newcastle City Council, Northumberland County Council and South Tyneside Council all set to establish hubs in their areas.

Young Futures Hubs are welcomed by me because they reflect the same principles that underpin the work of Violence Reduction Units: intervening early, supporting young people before they reach crisis point and bringing services together to tackle the underlying causes of violence. 

By helping young people access trusted support, positive opportunities and the right interventions at the right time, these hubs have the potential to make a real difference to individual lives and community safety.

Priority 4: 

Violence against women and girls

 

Backing for our strategy to tackle exploitation 

 

Modern slavery is happening on our doorstep - in our communities here in the North East. Just this month, three people were arrested in an investigation spanning Newcastle, Gateshead and South Tyneside.

And so, I am proud that we have just launched a new regional strategy to tackle exploitation – and it’s been given the backing of Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Eleanor Lyons.

 

By bringing partners together across Northumbria – including police, local authorities and voluntary and community organisations – our Northumbria Anti-Slavery Network is strengthening how we spot the signs, share information, protect victims and bring offenders to justice.

Priority 5: 

Hate crime and community cohesion

 

New safe reporting centre opens 

 

During hate crime awareness week, we joined The Coquet Trust at their head office in Team Valley, Gateshead, for its official opening as a Safe Reporting Centre.

 

These centres are open to anyone who has experienced or witnessed crime, including hate crime. Trained staff can listen, offer support and help people report to the police if they choose to do so.

 

The Coquet Trust does fantastic work supporting people with learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs and complex needs across the North East. 

 

Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and supported and the more places people like this where people can turn to for help, or to safely report a crime, the better.

Priority 6: 

Victims and justice

 

Support for women in the criminal justice system 

I'm really pleased that new Intensive Supervision Courts have started operating in Northumbria this month. 

 

Sitting at South Tyneside and North Tyneside Magistrates' Courts, they will provide tailored support for women whose offending is often linked to issues such as trauma, addiction and poor mental health.

This is a positive step that adds to my flagship programme focused on supporting women in the criminal justice system and diverting them away from custody wherever possible. 

Thanks to all involved in making this valuable work happen.