My Scrutiny Programme
On your behalf, I regularly meet with the Chief Constable and her senior team as part of my scrutiny programme. These meetings examine and challenge the performance of Northumbria Police in delivering the priorities of my Plan. I also look at inspection findings to ensure that recommendations are implemented.
In 2025, I developed a new approach to scrutiny to hold Northumbria Police to account on behalf of communities as your Police and Crime Commissioner. This improved model is also informed by the findings of my External Advisory Panels, made up of community members and service professionals. This is channelled through my Accountability and Scrutiny Board which helps me ensure I am asking the Force the right questions about the most relevant issues.
Across the course of the year, each of my six priorities will be scrutinised twice with opportunities to revisit previous themes or to focus on other areas, which will be published in the table below. This fluid approach allows me to direct my scrutiny to the areas of most importance and gives me flexibility to respond to emerging issues most important to you.
Each scrutiny report is presented at the Police and Crime Panel, where members support and challenge my actions and decisions as Police and Crime Commissioner.
The Police and Crime Panel for Northumbria is administered by Gateshead Council. All information relating to the Panel can be found here.
2026
| 12 February 2026 | Supplementary Question
The Commissioner asked the Chief Constable questions surrounding Northumbria Police’s vetting practices. |
Response |
| 12 February 2026 | Priority Four: Violence Against Women and Girls
The Commissioner asked the Chief Constable questions surrounding child sexual exploitation. |
Response |
| 12 February 2026 | Priority Three: Serious Violence and Organised Crime
The Commissioner asked the Chief Constable questions surrounding anti-social behaviour hotspots, offender management, regional partnerships, and substance misuse. |
Response |
2025
| 6 November 2025 | Priority Two: Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour
The Commissioner asked the Chief Constable questions surrounding the Safer Streets Summer Initiative, anti-social behaviour action plan, public transport safety, road safety, and fraud. |
Response |
| 6 November 2025 | Priority One: Engaged and Responsive Police Force
The Commissioner asked the Chief Constable questions surrounding the engagement strategy, timeliness of police complaints, GoodSAM, victim risk assessments, and public order capability. |
Response |
| 14 August 2025 | Priority Six: Victims and Justice
The Commissioner asked the Chief Constable questions surrounding the Victim Code of Practice, repeat victimisation, child victims, restorative justice, and out of court resolutions. |
Response |
| 14 August 2025 | Priority Five: Hate Crime and Community Cohesion
The Commissioner asked the Chief Constable questions surrounding the Hate Crime Champions Scheme, hate crime against officers and staff, repeat victimisation, enhanced reporting centres, and community tensions. |
Response |
| 8 July 2025 | Priority Four: Violence Against Women and Girls
The Commissioner asked the Chief Constable questions surrounding the night time economy, Clare’s Law, protection orders, and stalking. |
Response |
| 8 July 2025 | Priority Three: Serious Violence and Organised Crime
The Commissioner asked the Chief Constable questions surrounding corrosive substances, offender management, child sexual exploitation, and fraud. |
Response |
| 17 April 2025 | Priority Two: Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour
The Commissioner asked the Chief Constable questions surrounding motorcycle anti-social behaviour, rural crime, drug and drink driving, retail crime, and burglary. |
Response |
| 17 April 2025 | Priority One: Engaged and Responsive Police Force
The Commissioner asked the Chief Constable questions surrounding community engagement, lived experience, officer training, police complaints, and resolution rates. |
Response |