Today (Thursday 13 May), marks the first day in office for Joy Allen as the new Police and Crime Commissioner for County Durham and Darlington.

She becomes the second Police and Crime Commissioner for County Durham and Darlington, following the recent election held on Thursday 6 May.

She met staff from the Office of the Durham Police and Crime Commissioner as well as the Chief Constable and is eager to start working on priorities for the people of County Durham and Darlington.

Ms Allen will be responsible for holding the Chief Constable to account for the performance of the police force, effectively making the police answerable to the communities it serves.

Durham Police and Crime Commissioner, Joy Allen said: “Throughout my campaign, I listened to the people of County Durham and Darlington and I look forward to working with the Chief Constable to bring their priorities to fruition”.

“My vision is to ensure local communities are safer, stronger and more resilient to crime and anti-social behaviour. I can’t wait to get started and deliver a plan that focuses on people’s priorities, working with a wide range of partners to reduce crime, victimisation, offending and anti-social behaviour”.

Joy Allen takes over from Acting Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner Steve White, who will now return to his role as Chief Executive.