POLICING IN COUNTY DURHAM

Early day motion 280, tabled 31 January 2001 by John Cummings (Labour). Signed by 12 members.

That this House congratulates the County Durham Police Authority, Chief Constable and his officers on their many initiatives and operational measures employed in the county, which have resulted in recorded crime being reduced by 22 per cent. over a period of six years, the maintenance of a healthy detection rate of 35 per cent, a reduction of 9 per cent. in recorded non-dwelling burglary, 45 per cent. in recorded dwelling burglary, 52 per cent. in the theft of motor vehicles and 50 per cent. theft from motor vehicles; welcomes the fact that drug arrests show a rise of 60 per cent., drug dealer arrests up by 139 per cent. and drug seizures up by 72 per cent.; notes that as a result of government policies on fighting crime there are an extra 184 officers on the beat, the uniform element spending 70 per cent. of their time being visible within the communities they serve and who have attended on a regular basis 95 per cent. of parish council meetings; recognises that great progress has been made in fighting crime by an innovative and dedicated police force in County Durham; therefore thanks all police officers who have contributed towards such a major reduction in crime; and calls for the national debate on policing in metropolitan areas to be extended to police forces in shire counties in terms of recruiting policies.

Signatures by party: Labour 12.