Durham Constabulary is the country’s top performing force

DURHAM Constabulary has maintained its position as the top performing police force in the country.
 
Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary’s (HMIC) assessed each of the 43 forces in England and Wales to see how effective they were at keeping people safe and reducing crime.
Durham was the only one to receive an overall grade of ‘outstanding’.
Not only that, but out of the eight ‘outstandings’ awarded across all categories, Durham secured four.
In the individual areas assessed, the force was deemed ‘outstanding’ at preventing crime and anti-social behavior.
It also was graded ‘outstanding’ tackling serious and organised crime.
Likewise, Durham Constabulary was deemed ’outstanding’ at investigating crime and managing offenders.
Meanwhile, the force was graded ‘good’ at protecting the vulnerable.
 
Mike Cunningham, from the HMIC, said: The work that Durham Constabulary is doing to keep people safe and reduce crime is outstanding.
It is the only police force in England and Wales that has received this judgment from HMIC for this inspection and deserves to be commended.
He added: There is a strong focus at all levels on effectively carrying out investigations into crime in Durham Constabulary.
The service to victims of crime is seen as being very important and we found that officers in Durham demonstrated a commitment to a high level of victim care, which included regular contact to update the victim on progress in their case.
The constabulary uses all its resources to tackle serious and organised crime. Frontline policing teams have been assigned different organised crime groups to monitor in order to gather intelligence and disrupt their criminality.
 
Chief Constable Mike Barton said: Once again we are adjudged to be at the pinnacle of policing and the benchmark for others to follow.
I was absolutely delighted when the force was identified as being the best in the country last year so to maintain that standing is even more impressive.
This is a massive pat on the back for everyone who works for the Force.
I hope every employee has an extra spring in their step today because it is their continued professionalism and dedication which has put the force in a fantastic position for the future.
 
Ron Hogg, Durham’s Police and Crime Commissioner said: I would like to congratulate all members of Durham Constabulary on these terrific results.
To achieve such a glowing report in the current austere times is really impressive.
I think the people of County Durham and Darlington can be confident that they are being served by the best police forces in the country.
The difficult job for the force is to maintain this gold standard. I am here to make sure that everything possible is being done to ensure that happens.

Copper Plate Light : Feb 2016 (Issue 2)

Copper Plate Light  : Issue 2 – Feb 2016

With a new name of Copper Plate Light & a bi-monthly issue to keep you up to date with all the latest news from across the force.

Many Thanks to the Media team at HQ for producing the paper once more.

If you have any items which could be of interest for the Copper Plate Light then please either ring the team at HQ on (0191) 3752157 or email at media@durham.pnn.police.uk.

To view the Copper Plate Light please click on the image or to view previously issued  Copper Plate magazines please visit the Copper Plate page on the website : http://www.durhamnarpo.org.uk/p/copperplate_17.html

Darlington Police Club late 1970’s

Great photo sent to us by John Blake from the late 1970’s, of the late DC 824 Derick Hewitson with Dave Hutchinson in the centre and John Blake on the right, taken at Darlington police club.
John said  “I have good memories of working with ‘Big D’.”

AGM of Durham NARPO – Monday 21st March

 

Date for your Diary…….

Monday 21^st March at 1930hrs

The Annual General Meeting of Durham NARPO, with guest speakers from Force Executive and Federation.

This year see’s our current Chairman Alan S Watson stepping down from the role (although he will remain active as the editor of The Durham Peeler magazine)

At this moment Vice Chairman Ray Jones & Treasurer Colin Appleby have been nominated for the Chairmans post.

Nominations are therefore requested for the role of Treasurer.

All members welcome to attend and participate
Ideal time to meet your old colleagues and friends.
Please put the date in your diary and see if you can attend, meet / vote for who you want on the committee and see the hard work they are doing throughout the year on your behalf

There is a bar at the premises & light refreshments are provided
The meeting will be held at the Durham Indoor Bowling Centre, Pity Me, Durham, DH1 5GE

 

View Durham Indoor Bowling Club in a larger map

Death of a retired Police Officer : DC 824 Derick Hewitson

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer :  DC 824 Derick Hewitson, who died on the 31^st January, 2016 aged 84 years.
He joined on the 26^th April, 1952, during his time with Durham Constabulary he worked at Jarrow, Hebburn Quay, Toronto, the Coroner Office at Darlington and then in 1967 he moved to CID in Darlington where he remained until he retired in 1981.
Mr Hewitson leaves two sons, Malcolm and Colin.
The funeral will take place on Thursday 11^th February, at 11.00am at St Cuthbert’s Church, Darlington. This service is not private. This service will then be followed by a private cremation.
Anyone who would like to attend the service has been advised to check the funeral arrangements in the Northern Echo should there be any changes.
The family have requested no flowers.
Donations are welcomed to Cystic Fibrosis and St Teresa’s Hospice.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

http://www.durhamnarpo.org.uk/2014/02/forever-friends-derick-hewitson-and.html

Hardwick Camp…Cadet Training

For those retired police officers who have bitter/sweet memories of the time they served at Hardwick Camp, Sedgefield a Facebook page has been set up just for you.

       George Storey, ex Bede House stalwart, has set up the page, as named above, and invites all ex cadets from the Hardwick Camp era ( pre 1972 ), to contact him via Facebook to enrol. It is hoped that a social gathering can be arranged some time this year so spread the word and get joining.

Death of a retired Police Officer : Sergeant Sydney Coulson

It is with regret that we have to announce the death of a retired Police Officer :  Sergeant Sydney Coulson, who died on 25^th January 2016, aged 80 years.

Mr Coulson commenced his Police career on 10th April, 1961  & served in Durham, Coundon  & Plan Drawers, where he retired on the 13^th July 1990.

Mr Coulson leaves a widow Delia Coulson & he was father to ex PC609 Gary Coulson.
The funeral will be held on Monday 8^th February at 11:00am, Durham Crematorium.
Family Flowers only, donations in lieu of flowers to Air Ambulance or National Dogs Trust & their is a request from the family to wear something bright, even it is a tie.