The Police and Crime Panel met on Monday 21 September 2026 to review the Police and Crime Commissioner's performance and annual report, alongside updates on complaints and the panel's future work programme. The meeting was scheduled to discuss the Commissioner's performance in the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year, the benefits realised from the Investigative Hub, and the draft of the Commissioner's annual report for 2025/26.

Quarterly Performance Report Quarter One 2026/2027

The panel was scheduled to receive the Police and Crime Commissioner's¹ performance report for the first quarter of 2026/27, covering April to June 2026. This report outlines progress made in delivering the priorities and commitments within the Police, Crime and Justice Plan. It details activity undertaken by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Durham Constabulary, and partner organisations. The report is structured around the plan's priorities, including supporting and championing victims, safer people and places, safer neighbourhoods, safer countryside, safer roads, and the criminal justice system. It also includes information on performance and accountability, force staffing levels, community engagement, decision records, and His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS)² inspections.

Benefits Realisation: Investigative Hub

A report was scheduled to be presented on the benefits and outcomes identified following the implementation of the Investigative Hub. This modern, centralised facility was developed to bring together custody and associated policing functions, following shortcomings identified in Durham Constabulary's custody facilities in a 2019 HMICFRS and HM Inspectorate of Prisons inspection. The report was expected to detail benefits such as reduced custody overtime costs, less time spent in custody by detainees, reduced booking-in and detention authorisation times, and financial savings. It was also intended to highlight improved working environments for staff and greater opportunities for collaborative working between various operational teams.

Police and Crime Commissioner's Draft Annual Report 2025/26

The panel was due to review the Police and Crime Commissioner's draft annual report for 2025/26, covering the period from April 2025 to March 2026. This report provides an overview of the activity undertaken by the Commissioner's office, Durham Constabulary, and partner organisations in delivering the Police, Crime and Justice Plan. It details achievements, challenges, and future priorities across the plan's key areas, including victims, safer people and places, safer neighbourhoods, safer countryside, safer roads, and the criminal justice system. The report also covers finance and resources, workforce, national responsibilities, community engagement, holding the Chief Constable to account, strategic risks, and future priorities.

Police and Crime Panel Annual Report 2025/26

The panel was scheduled to consider its own annual report for 2025/26. This report details the panel's activity throughout the year, including its role in scrutinising the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC)³ and supporting the delivery of the Police, Crime and Justice Plan. It outlines the panel's membership, the meetings held, development sessions, complaint handling, 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 was scheduled to provide an update on formal complaints received against the Police and Crime Commissioner or the Deputy PCC since the last meeting. This follows an approved procedure for handling such complaints, ensuring transparency and effective scrutiny. The panel receives regular updates on the number of complaints received, including those that may have been rejected without consideration by the panel.

Police and Crime Panel Work Programme 2026/27

The panel was set to review its work programme for 2026/27. 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 work programme is designed to be flexible, allowing for the inclusion of emerging issues and ensuring the panel can effectively discharge its responsibilities, including reviewing the PCC's draft annual report, precept proposals, and appointment confirmations. Items carried over from the previous year, such as updates on HMICFRS inspections and the Investigative Hub, were expected to be discussed, alongside new items and any necessary adjustments due to scheduling changes.