Landmark pledge given by North police forces

Jan 1 2009 by Sam Wood, The Journal

A NEW regime in policing begins today with the start of a pledge which is designed to put officers closer to the communities they serve.

Both Northumbria and Durham police forces have signed up to the “Policing Pledge”, which is aimed at transforming the service.

Measures to be introduced include an aim to answer all 999 calls within 10 seconds, neighbourhood policing teams spending at least 80% of their time in the community and regular “surgeries” which could be held at supermarkets, football matches and other community meeting points.

The 10-point framework is backed by both the Home Office and the Association of Chief Police Officers.

Under the scheme the forces have pledged to:

Answer 999 calls within 10 seconds and arrive on the scene of immediate response incidents in urban or rural locations within set times.

Answer non-emergency calls promptly and provide an estimated time of arrival.

Ensure neighbourhood policing teams are visible and spend 80% of their time in their communities.

Keeping crime victims updated.

Acknowledge any reported complaint within 24 hours.

Treat the public fairly at all times with dignity and respect.

Provide details of how and where to contact neighbourhood policing teams.

Respond to every neighbourhood policing team message within 24 hours.

Call regular public meetings on a monthly basis to agree priorities.

Provide monthly updates on progress and on local crime issues and priorities.

Chief Constable of Durham Police Jon Stoddart said: “Essentially the pledge is about the visibility of our neighbourhood policing teams, how we answer calls and deal with questions, and how we take positive action.

“It is all about bread and butter policing across our neighbourhoods. It is something we in Durham have proved we are good at but it is something we need to go on improving. There is still work to do and this is a sensible way to take things forward.”

Peter Thompson, chairman of Durham Police Authority, said: “The policing pledge is a positive initiative that will help to build greater public confidence in the police service. As a police authority we will do our utmost to ensure that the promises outlined within the pledge are delivered to the people of County Durham and Darlington.”

Northumbria Police temporary Assistant Chief Constable Jim Campbell said: “Northumbria Police, like all other forces in the UK, has signed up to the Policing Pledge, a statement of 10 ways in which it will support law abiding citizens and pursue criminals. Northumbria Police constantly works to improve the quality of the service we offer. The Policing Pledge formalises that process, ensuring we offer a service which best matches individual needs and circumstances.

“Northumbria's own pledge meets, and in some ways exceeds, the national requirements.”