The Police and Crime Panel meeting scheduled for Monday 16 March 2026 was set to cover a range of topics concerning policing and community safety in Durham and Darlington. Key discussions were expected to include the Professional Standards Department's annual report, firearms licensing, and the Police and Crime Commissioner's quarterly performance report. The panel was also scheduled to review a report on police reform and receive an update on complaints.

Professional Standards Department Annual Report

The meeting was scheduled to include a review of the Professional Standards Department's Annual Report. This report, presented by the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and Durham Constabulary, was intended to provide the Panel with an opportunity to question the PCC on how she holds the Chief Constable accountable for the work of the department. It was also to cover plans for monitoring improvements following a recent HMICFRS Integrity Inspection. The report detailed performance metrics for vetting, complaints, and misconduct cases, highlighting increases in demand and complexity. It also outlined the department's resources and identified areas for improvement, particularly concerning vetting arrangements and the management of conduct cases. The report noted that HMICFRS had graded the vetting arrangements as Inadequate and upholding professional behaviour as Requires improvement. Recommendations from the inspection included ensuring accurate vetting data, sufficient management oversight and resources for the vetting unit, and comprehensive post-misconduct reviews.

Firearms Licensing

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to firearms licensing. Presentations were scheduled from the British Association of Shooting and Conservation (BASC) and the Durham Constabulary Firearms Licensing Unit. Reports indicated that Durham's Firearms Licensing Department had faced challenges with effectiveness and efficiency. A BASC report from 2022 highlighted an average turnaround time of 115 days for certificates, with a cost per certificate of £522, making it one of the least effective and least efficient in the UK. While a 2025 BASC report showed improvements, with an average turnaround time of 78 days and a cost per certificate of £347, it still ranked Durham's department 33rd out of 38 for satisfaction and remained one of the least effective and efficient nationally. Figures for Q3 2026 indicated that only 40.61% of applications were turned around within 120 days, ranking the force 34th out of 43. The report suggested that processes and risk appetite, rather than just resources, were key factors in efficiency.

Quarterly Performance Report

The Police and Crime Commissioner's (PCC) Quarter Three Performance and Delivery Report for 2025/26 was scheduled for review. This report, covering October to December 2025, was to provide an update on the delivery of priorities outlined in the Police, Crime and Justice Plan 2025-29. Key areas covered included supporting victims, safer people and places, safer neighbourhoods, safer countryside, safer roads, the criminal justice system, force staffing levels, and community engagement. The report highlighted a 31% reduction in environmental anti-social behaviour incidents and an 18.8% increase in resolved fraud offences. It also noted improvements in 999 call response times and arrival rates at priority incidents. The report also touched upon national developments, including proposed government plans to abolish PCCs and create larger, regional police forces, which the PCC expressed concern about regarding local accountability.

Police Reform

The Panel was due to consider a report on police reform, specifically focusing on proposed changes to police governance outlined in the Government's White Paper, 'From Local to National: A New Model for Policing'. This paper proposed abolishing Police and Crime Commissioners from May 2028 and transferring police governance to directly elected mayors or, where mayors do not exist, to Policing and Crime Boards composed of local council leaders. The report indicated that these changes aimed to reintegrate policing into local government and enable greater collaboration across local services. The report also noted that Police and Crime Panels would no longer be required, with their scrutiny functions being absorbed by the overview and scrutiny arrangements of the new Policing and Crime Boards.

Complaints Update

An update on complaints relating to the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) or the Deputy PCC was scheduled. The report indicated that since the previous meeting on 3 February 2026, no new formal complaints had been received against the PCC. The report also detailed the status of two complaints that were under consideration at the previous meeting, noting that one related to operational policing matters and fell outside the Panel's remit, while the other also concerned operational matters, with the Office of the PCC offering assistance to the complainant. A further complaint regarding the PCC's social media posts was not referred to the Panel as it stemmed from previously considered posts.

Police and Crime Panel Work Programme

The Panel was also scheduled to review its Work Programme for 2025/26. This item was intended to allow members to keep under review items for future meetings and to consider items for the 2026/27 programme. The report noted that a report on Road Safety would be included in the 2026/27 programme following the publication of the Government's Road Strategy, and that the PCC's Youth, Justice and Crime Plan would also be included. A report on Benefits Realisation for the Investigative Hub was moved to the 2026/27 work programme.