The Police and Crime Panel of County Durham Council is scheduled to consider a range of reports concerning the performance and activities of the Police and Crime Commissioner for County Durham and Darlington. The meeting is expected to review the first quarterly performance report of the 2026/2027 financial year, alongside the draft annual report for 2025/2026. Discussions are also anticipated regarding the benefits realised from the Investigative Hub, an update on complaints, and the Panel's work programme for the upcoming year.

Quarterly Performance Report Quarter One 2026/2027

The Police and Crime Commissioner's¹ Quarterly Performance Report for the first quarter of 2026/2027, covering April to June 2026, is expected to be presented. This report outlines the progress made in delivering the priorities and commitments within the Police, Crime and Justice Plan. It is anticipated to provide updates on key areas such as supporting and championing victims, ensuring safer people and places, maintaining safer neighbourhoods, protecting the safer countryside, improving safer roads, and the performance of the criminal justice system. The report may also cover force staffing levels, community engagement activities, decision records, and findings from His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) inspections.

Benefits Realisation: Investigative Hub

A report on the Benefits Realisation of the Investigative Hub is anticipated for discussion. This report is expected to detail the outcomes and benefits identified following the implementation of the Investigative Hub, which was developed to centralise custody and associated policing functions. The hub was established in response to shortcomings identified in the previous custody estate by HMICFRS and HM Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) in 2019. The report may cover financial savings, reductions in detainee time in custody, improved working environments for staff, and enhanced opportunities for collaborative working between various policing teams.

Police and Crime Commissioner's Draft Annual Report 2025/2026

The Police and Crime Commissioner's Draft Annual Report for 2025/2026 is expected to be reviewed. This comprehensive report details the activity undertaken by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Durham Constabulary, and partner organisations during the period of April 2025 to March 2026. It is structured around the priorities of the Police, Crime and Justice Plan, covering areas such as victims, safer people and places, safer neighbourhoods, the safer countryside, safer roads, and the criminal justice system. The report may also include information on finance and resources, workforce, national responsibilities, community engagement, holding the Chief Constable to account, and strategic risks and future priorities.

Police and Crime Panel Annual Report 2025/2026

The Panel's Annual Report for 2025/2026 is expected to be considered. This report details the Panel's activities throughout the year, including its role in scrutinising the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and supporting the delivery of the Police, Crime and Justice Plan. It is anticipated to cover the Panel's meetings, development sessions, handling of complaints, engagement with the public and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), and the support provided to the Panel. The report is a requirement for submission to the Home Office as part of the Panel's grant agreement.

Complaints Update

A report on complaints received relating to the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) or the Deputy PCC is anticipated. The Panel has an updated procedure for handling such complaints, and this report may provide an update on any formal complaints received since the last meeting, including those that may have been rejected without full consideration by the Panel.

Police and Crime Panel Work Programme 2026/2027

The Panel is expected to consider its Work Programme for 2026/2027. This programme outlines the planned activities and scrutiny items for the upcoming year, taking into account the priorities of the PCC and the Police and Crime Plan. The programme is designed to be flexible to accommodate emerging issues and may include items such as road safety, updates on HMICFRS inspection outcomes, and the benefits realisation of the Investigative Hub. Changes to the programme, agreed in consultation with the Chair, may also be presented.