Statement from the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth

“On your behalf, I meet regularly with the Chief Constable to scrutinise and challenge Northumbria Police, especially when service falls short of what is expected by the public.

One such issue I raised recently was the destruction of documents relating to the miners’ strike, including Orgreave.

Understandably, this raised concerns particularly from affected communities – concerns which Northumbria Police needs to address.

At the time, the Chief Constable assured me an investigation to fully understand the actions taken which led to the destruction of the material would be launched. I also sought her reassurance that every step would be taken to identify if any further material exists, either paper or digital, which may assist the public inquiry to establish the full facts as to events at Orgreave in 1984 – her reassurance was given.

Along with the Home Secretary, I have now been informed that this investigation is underway, and Northumbria Police is committed to fully cooperate with any national inquiry into what happened at Orgreave.

I will review the findings of the internal investigation with keen interest.”

More than 250,000 students across the region have now taken part in Pol-Ed, an innovative educational programme designed to help young people better understand the law, build healthy relationships, and stay safe from harm.

Developed in partnership with teachers and policing professionals, and fully aligned with the national PSHE curriculum, Pol-Ed equips students with the knowledge, skills and confidence to make informed, positive choices in their everyday lives.

Thanks to continued funding and support from the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit and partners, the programme is available free of charge, and has already been adopted by over 500 schools from across the force area, reflecting a growing demand for more preventative education.

In the last year, more than 4,500 Pol-Ed lessons and assemblies were delivered, covering a wide range of topics such as consent, healthy relationships, online safety, bullying, exploitation, and the consequences of criminal behaviour.

Pol-Ed is designed to encourage open and honest discussions in both primary and secondary school settings, helping to breakdown barriers, challenge misconceptions, and support young people to make safer decisions, while also helping practitioners identify those at risk earlier.

The initiative complements the wider awareness work delivered by the Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit and Northumbria Police Education Teams, ensuring more young people not only recognise the risks but also feel empowered to seek help when they need it.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth said: “Communities have told me that they want to see more done to tackle serious and organised crime, which is why it’s a key priority in my police and crime plan. But to truly make a difference, we need to understand and address the underlying causes of violence, preventing crime before it even starts.

“That’s why reaching young people as early as possible is so important. We all want our children to grow up feeling safe, supported and confident in making the right choices, and Pol-Ed is one of the tools helping us achieve that.

“Having already reached over 250,000 students, this programme is making a real and lasting impact in our communities. It’s helping young people better understand the law, build healthy relationships, and recognise when something doesn’t feel right, empowering them to speak up and stay safe.

“But Pol-Ed isn’t just about delivering lessons and assemblies. It’s about having those honest conversations early on, and ensuring young people feel heard and supported. That’s how we build safer, stronger communities for everyone.

“My thanks to all the schools, teachers, and students who have already utilised these fantastic resources. Through ongoing support from the Northumbria Violence Reduction, Pol-Ed remains free to use, and I’d love to see every school in our region get involved.”

Sergeant Simon Reid, Problem Solving and Early Intervention at Northumbria Police, said: “Since May 2024, in partnership with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Violence Reduction Unit, we have been promoting Pol-Ed to all schools within our Force area. This includes encouraging our education partners to sign up and make use of the excellent resources available to them through the programme.

“Early intervention is a vital tool in our fight against crime and this tactic helps us to prevent people being harmed while also reducing the demands upon our public services. So far, 78 per cent of schools in our area have signed up to use Pol-Ed, with 4,513 lessons being delivered to a total of 251,080 young people.

“These are excellent figures and we are confident that the sessions are having a significant positive impact upon those taking part by giving them the knowledge they need to lead the best lives possible.”

Catherine Patrick, Assistant Head of Health Education at George Stephenson High School said: “We are absolutely delighted to be using the new Pol-Ed resources. They have quickly become an invaluable part of our PSHE curriculum. We particularly appreciate how the programme aligns with the PSHE Association guidelines while also offering its own age appropriate and well-structured content.”

“The inclusive activities, such as Think-Pair-Share and other interactive elements, really engage our students and encourage meaningful discussion. It’s been wonderful to see how these resources help build our students’ confidence, support their understanding of personal safety, and foster a positive and respectful school environment and within the wider community. The clarity, accessibility, and relevance of the topics make them an essential tool for modern PSHE delivery.”

Schools interested in signing up or learning more about Pol-Ed should contact Northumbria Police by email to school.liaison@northumbria.police.uk.

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GATESHEAD is among a list of town centres to get enhanced Northumbria Police and partner action – as the force rolls out Government’s national ‘Safer Streets Summer Initiative’ campaign.

Project Shield will play a key part in delivering this campaign designed to keep town centres across the force area safe this summer. Launched by Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Susan Dungworth a year ago, Project Shield has had a successful first year and has helped see ASB plummet by 19 per cent in hotspot areas.

The project’s targeted police and partner patrols will be among a programme of activity running in Gateshead and other town centres across Northumberland, Tyne and Wear this summer.

This work supports the PCC’s local commitment to delivering safer streets and stronger communities, and joint efforts as part of this summer initiative will have a clear focus on anti-social behaviour (ASB) retail crime and street crime.

As part of this work, Project Shield areas can expect to see increased high visibility patrols, intelligence-led activity, engagement and targeted intervention work conducted by both police, local authority and transport partners.

Since its launch a year ago, Project Shield has delivered impressive improvements in its focus areas. It is hoped this summer’s continued efforts will help drive crime down further.

When joining patrols in Gateshead town centre, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth welcomed the Home Office’s campaign. She said:

“The primary goal of the Safer Streets Summer Initiative, with its focus on town centres is to drive down crime and disorder through increased visibility and robust action. It’s a real opportunity for Northumbria to build on the good work already being delivered, like Project Shield.

“During the summer months when it’s warmer and the nights are lighter, we know more people are out and about in our town centres and this always leads to higher levels of both daytime and night-time ASB and crime. And so, we have been coming together planning a range of activity, working closely with partners like Gateshead Council and the other local authorities to try and get ahead of any problems. We all hope it will help prevent or deter crime, whilst also improving overall feelings of safety.

“People’s concerns look different in different areas; that’s why a lot of our efforts are around problem solving – responding to the specific needs of our local communities. For our coastal towns it might be preventing large groups congregating at the seafront causing ASB, or for our retail centres it might be working with partners to focus on identifying prolific and repeat offenders.

“We really want to deal with the issues that cause the most concern for local people so we can take action and deliver safer streets and stronger communities. If people feel safer out and about in their town centres if helps them thrive and boosts economic growth forthe area too. ”

Ahead of the summer holidays, some local schools have been receiving tailored inputs and campaigns aimed at children and teenagers, focusing on reporting crime, personal safety and ASB. An example of this enhanced collaboration with educational providers has been dedicated neighbourhood officers at Gateshead College and across secondary schools talking to young people with a focus on ASB and knife crime. This includes signposting for those interested in summer activities and volunteering opportunities.

The town centre manager and ambassadors, employed by Gateshead Council also continue to improve visibility and engagement with residents and businesses, focusing on quality-of-life issues, early intervention and improving the environment.

Councillor Angela Douglas, Chair of the Gateshead Community Safety Board, said: “Project Shield has established a stronghold for a successful Safer Streets Summer Initiative campaign force wide, showcasing how partnership working and community engagement can have an incredible impact on the issues that matter most to residents.

“Here in Gateshead, we’re continuing to make strides in bringing together neighbourhood policing teams, local businesses and our wider communities to not only tackle ASB and serious crime, but to prevent it.

“By investing in tools like our new WalkSafe app, which can be used to quickly contact our town centre Ambassadors, report anti-social behaviour and identify safe spaces nearby, we’re making the most of the project funding to address safety concerns in our priority area.

“We’ll be continuing to develop this work over the summer, amplifying the Home Office initiative to delivering safer streets and stronger communities.”

Other key operations running as part of the Summer Streets Initiative include Operation Capio which tackles motorbike disorder, Operation Impact which is all-visibility days of action and Operation Coastwatch which focuses on pockets of ASB at the coast.

Superintendent Scott Cowie, Northumbria Police’s Serious Violence lead, said: “Tackling serious crime and anti-social behaviour remains one of our Force priorities and it is something we are absolutely committed to.

“We appreciate that the lighter evenings and summer months see an increase in ASB incidents but let us be clear that everyone should feel safe and secure when out and about in our city and town centre locations.“Alongside our partners, through Project Shield we use a range of tactics at our disposal to reduce crime by identifying offenders, seizing weapons and making arrests where necessary. We also carry out engagement activity to deter any of our young people who may be becoming involved in criminality.

“The public tell us that our extensive work in this area is having a tangible and positive impact on their lives and thanks to the £1.8million of renewed funding for 2025/26, we’re doing everything we can to continue the progress made.“My message to those in our communities is that if there are issues with serious violence and anti-social behaviour in your area then please don’t stay silent. Get in touch with us via our various channels so that we can build on our ever-growing intelligence picture and take the appropriate action.”

Newcastle’s Safe Haven Van has a fresh new look and will be back parked up on the Bigg Market as a go-to safety spot for anyone feeling vulnerable when out in the city at night.

The Community Safety and Engagement Van, widely known as the Safe Haven, has had a welcome refurbishment thanks to £20K in funding made by Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth. The investment is part of her commitment to delivering safer streets and stronger communities for the people of Northumbria.

A range of technical and aesthetic upgrades have been made to the van which is located at the heart of the Bigg Market. It is in situ from 10 pm to 4 am on Fridays and Saturdays, when footfall is at its highest.

The stand-out blue police vehicle is there to make sure help is at hand if you’ve lost your friends, need to charge your phone or wish to speak to an officer about any safety concerns you may have.

Provisions include a confidential space, medical supplies, information leaflets and phone charging facility and that safe space to talk to a Police Officer.

Police officers work closely with partners including NEAS, Newcastle City Council Street Marshals and Newcastle’s Street Pastors, who all come together to look offer help and support to revellers.

The recent investment also means that when the van is not in use on weekend nights, it will be put to good use as a police engagement resource, providing a base for officers to get out into local communities, ensuring both greater accessibility and visibility.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth said: “The Safe Haven has been a familiar sight to people out in the city for years and since becoming PCC I have heard countless positive stories from police, door staff, the council and even party-goers themselves – thankful for the van and colleagues working together to look after people. Although hugely valued, it was long due an upgrade and so we have made it happen.

“If anyone needs assistance on a night out in the City Centre, the Safe Haven is there, as a help point, and I want to make sure it stands out and people know about it.

She added: “A key priority in my Police and Crime Plan is ensuring we have an engaged and responsive police force and the van puts officers alongside partners right there in the heart of the night-time economy. It’s there to make people feel safe and allow people to easily find and speak to an officer if they need to. On one hand it’s there for crime prevention, and on the other it helps address vulnerability and to support victims. So, whether you need advice or just a sit down somewhere safe, the van is there to welcome you.”

Northumbria Police’s Neighbourhood Inspector Karen Madge said: “This latest funding to re-launch the Safe Haven Van is very welcome as we continue to work hand-in-hand with our partners to keep people safe.

“By night, it becomes a vital space for those who may need help—whether that’s reporting something confidentially to the police, charging phones, finding a safe spot to sit and wait, or reconnecting with family and friends if you’re lost. We can help get you home safely, or support you in seeking medical attention via the treatment centre located next to us.

“And now I’m pleased to say these improvements mean that we’ll be expanding our deployments beyond the night-time economy, in addition to our normal patrol activity.

“Two officers are dedicated to working on the vehicle and are there for advice, support, can be spoken to in confidence.  We are here to help.

“This is brilliant news and really supports our ability to engage with even more people across the city. Ultimately, we aim to be a safe space for everyone—and we’ll be there when they need us.”

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“We’re getting our police numbers back to where they belong” says PCC, as neighbourhood policing recruitment campaign goes live In Northumbria

POLICE visibility is on the up across Northumberland, Tyne, and Wear, as a new officer recruitment campaign giving new starters a direct route into community policing goes live today (Monday 23 July).

The new recruitment drive means applicants can be recruited directly into neighbourhood policing roles across Northumbria – delivering on the Government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, which has pledged to bolster community teams over the next four years.

Back in 2019, police officer numbers in Northumbria had dropped to a low of 3129, more than 1000 short compared to levels in 2010. However, the 2025 April 1^st officer headcount for Northumbria Police was 3856, with a predicted officer total climbing to 3974 for 2026. This significant increase has been described by Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, as the “upturn Northumbria needs.”

Northumbria is the first College of Policing accredited  Force in the country to offer new recruits a direct route into community policing, meaning those who choose the neighbourhood option will specialise in this area from joining. This pathway can be accessed by graduates, non-graduates and those seeking a degree level apprenticeship.

The new recruitment scheme aims to increase police visibility, especially in town centres as well as boosting community engagement, and tackling issues like anti-social behaviour and crime.

Northumbria Police has been given funding to recruit an additional 95 neighbourhood officers, 27 PCSOs and 30 Special Constables over the next 12 months.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said: “This new recruitment drive is not just about boosting numbers – it’s about real action to get officers exactly where people want to see them – on the streets. It’s the upturn Northumbria needs.

“I’m pleased we have a proactive Force offering this opportunity to those who want to hit the ground running, getting out there making a difference in our local communities.

“Neighbourhood Policing is key to prevention, problem solving and intelligence gathering and this new recruitment programme provides real opportunity for us to grow our force both in numbers, and diversity.”

She added: “The Home Secretary has said the new Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee is about restoring policing to our communities and this new recruitment drive is designed to do just that. It also reflects my own mission in my Police and Crime Plan to deliver safer streets and stronger communities.

“I see this new way in as a great way for us to attract good people with the right skills, strengths, and ambitions from a range of backgrounds. It will help get them straight into doing the work they want to do – building effective working relationships to help prevent crime and support local people.

The numbers really speak for themselves and really show that police visibility is on the up and hopefully we will have 3974 officers serving by April next year. Financial challenges still remain though, especially if we are to achieve Government’s welcome ambitions to halve both knife crime and VAWG over the next decade – it all requires increased resource. Maintaining a strong frontline presence is of course key and this recruitment push is a bold step in the right direction to get officers where people want them – in the heart of our communities.”

Applications for the new Neighbourhood roles will open on Monday 23 June.

Also follow the Force’s social media channels for more information.

Meanwhile Northumbria Police are currently recruiting for other police officer, staff, and volunteer roles.

Visit the careers website at Careers – Northumbria Police

Nationally, the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee will put 13,000 more officers into communities by 2029.

A senior British Transport Police officer has praised Northumbria’s Project Shield for helping drive down crime and improve passenger safety across the rail network.

Superintendent David Rams, who met with Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth in North Tyneside last week hailed Project Shield a ‘first of its kind’ collaborative approach that he believes is really benefiting train passengers in the Northumbria Police force area.

Susan, who launched the project with partners last summer pledged her continued support to working with public transport providers to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) and crime – as outlined in her Police and Crime Plan for safer streets and stronger communities.

British Transport Police has long maintained a close relationship with Northumbria Police working together and drawing in support, planning for major events and responding to incidents. Project Shield has helped enhance this further and since its launch last year has funded an additional 7000 patrol hours and various joint operations.

Heightened visibility and collaborative work through the project has helped achieve impressive results with data from the latest quarter showing a 28% reduction in ASB across the transport hotspot, compared to the same quarter the previous year. There has also been a promising reduction in serious violence this year too, with incident numbers down 22% compared to the same period in the previous year.

As part of their partnership discussions, they also spoke about other shared concerns including county lines and the rise in the number of reports of violence against women and girls on public transport up and down the country.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth: “British Transport Police may have a very specific and unique beat focusing on the safety and security of passengers – but these are people moving in and around our region – residents, commuters and visitors.  And so, we have a lot of shared priorities and focus areas, and I really believe the more joined up we are, the more benefits we will reap – boosting feelings of safety for our passengers and improving community confidence overall.

“Recognising the need to ensure transport safety is a priority here in Northumbria – that’s why we committed to making it a targeted hotspot for Project Shield and this is continuing as we plan the next phase of work. The project has helped deliver some real reductions in both ASB and serious violence, that both David and I very much welcome, I am keen to explore more ways we can work together to address issues and deliver safer stations and trains as well as streets.”

BTP Superintendent David Rams said: “The public’s safety is our number one priority, and we work tirelessly to protect everyone’s journeys on the railway network. We are aware that every offence is one too many and we work relentlessly alongside our policing partners and the rail industry to create a hostile environment for crime on the network,

“We have officers across the rail network around the clock, at stations and on trains, to detect and deter crime and to reassure the public.

“Everyone has the right to travel safely and peacefully and we encourage anyone who experiences anything that disrupts this to report it to us by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40. In an emergency, always dial 999.”

Assistant Chief Constable Andy Hill, of Northumbria Police, said: “Everyone should feel safe and secure while using public transport in our region and we are proud of the part we are playing in reducing ASB incidents on the network.

“Project Shield continues to be an important operation in tackling crime across our communities and alongside partners we are committed to doing everything we can to keep the North East the welcoming place it is for all to live, work and visit.

“Through increased patrols and engagement activity right across the Force area, we aim to build on these encouraging results in the coming weeks and months.

“Please remember, if you need us we are here for you.”

ENDS