Durham and Northumbria Police Authorities have agreed that potential merger talks should continue and a detailed report will now be produced.

The decision was made at separate Police Authority meetings that took place on Tuesday, 20 July in Durham and Wednesday, 21 July in Northumbria.

Both Authorities were presented with a short assessment detailing the operational benefits which could lead to improved policing services across the two areas if a merger took place. Both Authorities requested that talks continue and a detailed in-depth report highlighting the benefits to operational policing, including frontline and protective services, and how a merger could also create more financial resilience, will now be prepared.  

Mr Peter Thompson, Chairman of Durham Police Authority said:

“Durham Police Authority is determined to provide policing services that its communities want but to do this we may need to look at new ways of working which could make the two forces even more efficient and effective. Members agreed that a possible merger with Northumbria is one option and from the initial assessment we think it is worth exploring this option further.”

Councillor Mick Henry, Chair of Northumbria Police Authority said:

“As well as planning strategic police services in the short term, one of our key roles is to consider how policing in Northumbria can be developed and improved in the future. One option that might be of potential benefit, and provide even more efficient and effective policing services, is a merger with Durham. Members, therefore, took the decision for the talks with Durham Police Authority to continue and for a detailed report to be produced.”

The detailed report is expected to be presented to the two Authorities later this year.
Once this information is available the two Authorities will also seek the views of local communities to see if they support the idea of a police merger.

For further information please contact April Shelley, Communications Officer at Northumbria Police Authority, on 0191 433 2091 or email aprilshelley@gateshead.gov.uk

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