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Durham Constabulary — Inspection History

Published HMICFRS inspection reports for Durham Constabulary: grades, key findings and recommendations over time.

Back to Durham Constabulary

His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) independently inspects police forces in England and Wales. This page collects the published inspection reports we have indexed for Durham Constabulary — for the latest PEEL assessment snapshot, see the current HMICFRS rating.

PEEL 2023–2025: An inspection of Durham Constabulary

2023-11-17 · peel report

This report sets out the findings for Durham Constabulary under the PEEL framework, assessing police effectiveness, efficiency, and legitimacy.

Full report on hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk

Durham – National child protection inspection post-inspection review

2022-01-14 · thematic report

This inspection reviewed the progress made in Durham Constabulary since the publication of the last report in 2020. It examined force policies, strategies, and 29 audited child protection cases. The findings indicate improvements in child protection, but further work is necessary.

Key findings (8)
  • The inspection focused on progress since the last 2020 report.
  • Force policies and strategies were scrutinized.
  • Thirty child protection cases were audited for thorough review.
  • Interviews were conducted with senior leaders and managers.
  • Improvements in child protection were noted, but gaps remain.
  • Ongoing challenges in policies were identified.
  • Recommendations for additional improvements were made.
  • The report indicates a commitment to continual reviews.
Recommendations (8)
  • Continue to enhance child protection measures.
  • Address identified gaps in force policies.
  • Regular training for staff on updated strategies.
  • Increase audits of child protection cases.
  • Conduct follow-up inspections to track improvements.
  • Engage with community stakeholders for feedback.
  • Allocate more resources to child protection efforts.
  • Implement an oversight mechanism for child protection practices.
Full report on hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk

PEEL 2021/22 – An inspection of Durham Constabulary

2021-10-27 · peel report

This report sets out the findings for Durham Constabulary as part of HMICFRS’s assessment of police forces in England and Wales, covering effectiveness, efficiency, and legitimacy.

Effectiveness: GoodEfficiency: GoodLegitimacy: Good
Key findings (5)
  • Durham Constabulary has been congratulated for good performance in various areas.
  • The force demonstrated effective community engagement and problem-solving capabilities.
  • Resource allocation was noted as efficient in relation to crime prevention efforts.
  • The legitimacy of the force in public perception has significantly improved.
  • The force used data-driven approaches to enhance operational efficiency.
Recommendations (5)
  • Continue to build on community engagement initiatives to maintain public trust.
  • Increase focus on resource management to improve response times.
  • Enhance training programs to support officer development.
  • Implement regular assessments of efficacy in crime reduction strategies.
  • Foster collaboration with other local agencies for comprehensive crime strategies.
Full report on hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk

Durham - National child protection inspection

2020-03-17 · thematic report

This inspection examined child protection in Durham Police in October 2019, highlighting the importance of police involvement in protecting children and ensuring their safety. While the Durham Constabulary is clearly committed to child protection, further work is required in this area.

Full report on hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk

Durham Police - Joint inspection of police custody

2019-10-22 · thematic report

This inspection into Durham Police is one of a series on police custody inspections carried out jointly by HMI Prisons and HMICFRS. The programme looks at strategy, treatment and conditions, individual rights and health care. It also contributes to the UK’s response to its international obligation to ensure regular and independent inspection of all places of detention.

Full report on hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk

PEEL: Police effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy 2018/19 – Durham Constabulary

2019-05-02 · peel report

The report assesses Durham Constabulary's effectiveness, efficiency, and legitimacy in keeping people safe and reducing crime during the 2018/19 period. It presents an integrated assessment across these areas, combining previously separate inspections.

Effectiveness: GoodEfficiency: GoodLegitimacy: Good
Key findings (8)
  • The force has improved its effectiveness over recent years.
  • In efficiency, the force demonstrates prudent use of resources.
  • Legitimacy ratings have improved, reflecting strong community engagement.
  • Use of technology is enhancing service delivery.
  • Diversity in recruitment is improving.
  • Training programs are tailored to community needs.
  • Collaboration with partners is effectively reducing crime.
  • Public confidence in the police has increased.
Recommendations (8)
  • Continue to enhance data sharing with partner agencies.
  • Further improve community outreach and engagement.
  • Focus on staff wellbeing to maintain morale.
  • Enhance support for vulnerable individuals.
  • Review and optimize patrol strategies.
  • Invest in training on emerging crime trends.
  • Increase focus on mental health within policing.
  • Strengthen evaluation processes for programs implemented.
Full report on hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk

Joint targeted area inspection of the multi-agency response to abuse and neglect in Durham

2018-08-24 · thematic report

Between 9 and 13 July 2018, Ofsted, the Care Quality Commission, HMICFRS and HMI Probation undertook a joint inspection of the multi-agency response to abuse and neglect in Durham, focusing particularly on the response to children living with domestic abuse. This letter outlines the findings of the joint inspection.

Full report on hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk

PEEL: police effectiveness 2017 – Durham Constabulary

2018-03-22 · peel report

As part of the annual inspections of police effectiveness, HMICFRS assessed Durham Constabulary's effectiveness at keeping people safe and reducing crime, focusing on five key areas. The report evaluates how effective the force is in preventing crime, investigating, protecting vulnerable individuals, tackling serious crimes, and its specialist capabilities.

Overall Effectiveness: Good
Key findings (5)
  • Durham Constabulary has a strong focus on public safety and crime prevention.
  • The force is effective at investigating and resolving crime cases.
  • Vulnerable individuals are well-protected and supported by the force.
  • Efforts to tackle serious and organized crime are commendable.
  • The specialist capabilities of the force are robust and effective.
Recommendations (5)
  • Continue to enhance training for officers in crime prevention strategies.
  • Increase community engagement initiatives to better understand local needs.
  • Develop more comprehensive support systems for vulnerable victims.
  • Strengthen partnerships with other agencies in tackling organized crime.
  • Regularly review and adapt strategies based on crime trends.
Full report on hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk

PEEL: police legitimacy 2017 - Durham Constabulary

2017-12-12 · peel report

This report examines how Durham Constabulary treats people with fairness and respect and assesses the ethical and lawful actions of its workforce. It also evaluates whether the workforce feels they are treated with fairness and respect. Overall, the findings provide insights into the legitimacy of the police force.

Legitimacy: Good
Key findings (8)
  • The inspection assessed fairness and respect in treatment of the public.
  • Ethical and lawful actions by the police workforce were evaluated.
  • The workforce's perception of fairness and respect was considered.
  • Findings are compared with the previous year's inspection report.
  • The report contributes to the overarching legitimacy theme for police forces in the UK.
  • National themes were drawn from the legitimacy assessments.
  • Future effectiveness and efficiency reports will follow in early 2018.
  • Repeated areas of concern regarding stop and search practices were noted.
Recommendations (8)
  • Increase transparency in stop and search procedures.
  • Enhance training for officers on community engagement.
  • Continue efforts to ensure workforce feels valued and respected.
  • Regularly assess and report on public perceptions of legitimacy.
  • Strengthen accountability mechanisms for officer conduct.
  • Promote best practices in community policing across forces.
  • Engage with local communities to gather feedback on policing practices.
  • Review and revise policies to mitigate disparities in treatment.
Full report on hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk

PEEL: police efficiency 2017 - Durham Constabulary

2017-11-09 · peel report

This report examines how well Durham Constabulary understands the demand for its services, how effectively it matches its resources to that demand, and how it plans to meet future demand. It provides an assessment of the overall efficiency of the force.

Full report on hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk

Abuse of position assessment - Durham Constabulary

2017-10-05 · peel report

This report reviews the implementation of plans by police forces in response to a national concern regarding the ability to seek intelligence on potential abuse of position for sexual gain. It assesses Durham Constabulary's individual plans following a recommendation made in the 2016 legitimacy inspections.

Full report on hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk

PEEL: police effectiveness 2016 – Durham Constabulary

2017-03-02 · peel report

HMIC assessed how effective Durham Constabulary is at keeping people safe and reducing crime as part of their annual inspections. The inspection focused on five areas, including crime prevention, crime investigation, protecting vulnerable individuals, tackling serious crime, and specialist capabilities.

Key findings (5)
  • The force is effective at preventing crime and tackling anti-social behaviour.
  • The force demonstrates a solid approach to investigating crime.
  • Vulnerable individuals are adequately protected by the force.
  • The force has improved its capabilities in tackling serious and organised crime.
  • Specialist capabilities are appropriately utilized.
Recommendations (5)
  • Continue to enhance strategies for crime prevention.
  • Improve methods for supporting victims of crime.
  • Strengthen investigative processes to reduce re-offending rates.
  • Enhance training for staff dealing with vulnerable individuals.
  • Expand collaboration with external agencies for tackling serious crime.
Full report on hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk

Best Use of Stop and Search revisit – Durham Constabulary

2017-02-02 · thematic report

This publication outlines the findings of a revisit inspection assessing Durham Constabulary’s compliance with the Best Use of Stop and Search scheme. It highlights previous assessments and offers insights into the force's adherence to the specified guidelines.

Overall Compliance: Requires Improvement
Key findings (3)
  • Durham Constabulary was one of 19 forces not complying with one or two features of the scheme.
  • In 2015, only 11 of the 43 forces were fully compliant with all five features of the scheme.
  • The scheme aims to increase transparency and community involvement in stop and search practices.
Recommendations (3)
  • Durham Constabulary should enhance their data recording and publishing practices.
  • Introduce lay observation policies for public participation during stop and search.
  • Establish a community complaints trigger for transparency with local communities.
Full report on hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk

PEEL: police legitimacy 2016 - Durham Constabulary

2016-12-08 · peel report

This inspection looked at the extent to which Durham Constabulary treats people with fairness and respect, ensures their workforce acts ethically and lawfully, and how the workforce feels treated. The findings are part of HMIC's broader assessment of police legitimacy nationally, which also identifies overarching themes.

Legitimacy: Good
Key findings (6)
  • Durham Constabulary treats people with fairness and respect.
  • The workforce acts ethically and lawfully.
  • There are national themes regarding police legitimacy.
  • The inspection follows PEEL legitimacy 2015's framework.
  • Findings are part of the annual PEEL assessment.
  • The report will be followed by effectiveness reports in early 2017.
Recommendations (2)
  • All forces should implement plans to tackle potential abuse of position for sexual gain.
  • Review plans created in response to past recommendations for improvement.
Full report on hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk

PEEL: police efficiency 2016 - Durham Constabulary

2016-11-03 · peel report

This inspection report assesses how well Durham Constabulary understands the demand for its services and how effectively it matches its resources to that demand. It provides an overall assessment of efficiency based on previous evaluations.

Full report on hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk

Durham, Rape Monitoring Group digest - 2015/16

2016-10-13 · other report

On behalf of the national Rape Monitoring Group (RMG), HMIC publishes local area digests to provide a data set to enable more thorough analysis of how rape is dealt with in a particular area of England and Wales. This digest sets out the data for Durham Constabulary. These local area digests pull together a range of Home Office/Office for National Statistics, Crown Prosecution Service and Ministry of Justice data on rape in one place.

Full report on hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk

Police effectiveness 2015 – Durham Constabulary

2016-02-18 · peel report

As part of its annual inspections into police effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy (PEEL), HMIC assessed how effective the force is at keeping people safe and reducing crime and anti-social behaviour. The inspection focused on four main aspects of policing. An assessment of how the force protects vulnerable people was published in December 2015 and contributes to the overall judgment.

Overall effectiveness: Good
Key findings (6)
  • The force is effective in preventing crime and anti-social behaviour.
  • Investigations into crime need improvement.
  • There is good management of offenders.
  • The force is effective in protecting vulnerable people.
  • Support for victims is adequate.
  • The tackling of serious and organised crime is satisfactory.
Recommendations (3)
  • Enhance the quality of crime investigations.
  • Improve support for victims of crime.
  • Strengthen collaborative efforts to tackle serious and organised crime.
Full report on hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk

Police legitimacy 2015 – Durham Constabulary

2016-02-11 · peel report

As part of its annual inspections into police effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy (PEEL), HMIC’s legitimacy programme assessed how legitimate the force is at keeping people safe and reducing crime. The inspection focused on whether a force was consistently behaving in a way that is fair, reasonable, effective and lawful, and if it has the consent of the public. The legitimacy report follows on from reports on efficiency and vulnerability in 2015 and will be followed by reports on overall effectiveness in spring 2016.

Legitimacy: Requires Improvement
Key findings (8)
  • Durham Constabulary was assessed on its legitimacy in policing efforts.
  • The force showed areas needing improvement in stop and search compliance.
  • Public consent and engagement were considered key measures in the inspection.
  • Inspection highlighted disparities in service delivery within different communities.
  • The report noted the importance of fair treatment in police operations.
  • Statistical data showed trends in public perception of safety.
  • Leadership within the force was identified as a critical factor for progress.
  • The revisit inspection confirmed some ongoing issues from previous assessments.
Recommendations (8)
  • Improve compliance with the Best Use of Stop and Search Scheme.
  • Enhance training for officers on public engagement and legitimacy.
  • Regularly review community feedback to adjust policing strategies.
  • Increase transparency in reporting police actions to the public.
  • Develop targeted strategies for vulnerable communities.
  • Strengthen oversight mechanisms for police accountability.
  • Engage with local organizations for collaborative policing efforts.
  • Conduct follow-up assessments to monitor progress effectively.
Full report on hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk

Police effectiveness 2015 (Vulnerability) – Durham Constabulary

2015-12-15 · peel report

As part of its annual inspections into police effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy (PEEL), HMIC’s effectiveness programme assessed how well forces keep people safe and reduce crime. The vulnerability inspection examined how effective forces are at protecting vulnerable individuals and supporting victims.

Full report on hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk

Witness for the prosecution: Identifying victim and witness vulnerability in criminal case files – Durham Constabulary

2015-11-12 · thematic report

This report reviews the quality of criminal case files focusing on how effectively the police identify the vulnerability of victims and witnesses. It emphasizes the importance of accurate information provided by the police to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to ensure victims and witnesses can effectively participate in the criminal justice process.

Full report on hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk

Durham - Joint inspection of police custody suites

2014-12-19 · force-specific report

This report is one of a series on police custody inspections carried out jointly by HMIC and HMI Prisons. The inspections evaluate strategy, treatment, conditions, individual rights, and health care, significantly contributing to the UK's commitment to ensure regular and independent inspection of all detention places.

Full report on hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk

Durham – Response to the funding challenge

2013-07-18 · thematic report

This report assesses how Durham Police is responding to the funding challenges imposed by a 20% reduction in central funding over four years. It highlights the measures taken to meet these budget demands as tracked by HMIC’s Valuing the Police Programme.

Full report on hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk

Durham – Revisiting police relationships: progress report

2012-12-18 · thematic report

This report revisits the findings from 'Without Fear or Favour' regarding police relationships with the media. It acknowledges some progress in managing threats to integrity but indicates that more work is needed in the area.

Key findings (3)
  • Some progress has been made in addressing issues of undue influence and inappropriate relationships.
  • Processes and policies to manage integrity threats have been implemented.
  • No evidence of endemic corruption was found in police relationships.
Recommendations (2)
  • Further improvements are necessary to strengthen processes and policies related to police relationships.
  • Ongoing assessment of police relationships with the media should be conducted.
Full report on hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk

Durham, Preparing for police and crime commissioners

2012-07-27 · thematic report

The report assesses how police authorities in Durham are preparing for the transition to Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) ahead of the elections on 15 November 2012. It examines their readiness and transition plans in light of the upcoming changes.

Full report on hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk

Durham, Policing in austerity: One year on

2012-07-02 · thematic report

This report examines the effects of a 20% reduction in central funding to the police service over four years, assessing how Durham police has managed financial challenges and its impact on public service.

Full report on hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk

Durham, anti-social behaviour inspection report, 2012

2012-06-21 · thematic report

In Spring 2010, we carried out a review to find out how the police can best tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB). We committed to repeating this inspection in 2012 to check on progress. This report tells you what we found.

Full report on hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk

Durham – Review of police crime and incident reports – 2012

2012-01-25 · thematic report

This report looks at the quality of crime and incident data, and the arrangements in place to ensure standards are maintained and improved across the 43 police forces in England and Wales.

Full report on hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk

Durham – value for money profile

2011-08-01 · thematic report

This publication provides a value for money profile of the Durham force, examining financial efficiency and resource allocation. The report highlights areas of strength and opportunities for improvement within the department's financial management practices.

Full report on hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk

Durham, Valuing the Police preparedness inspection

2011-07-21 · thematic report

This report evaluates the preparedness of Durham Police in relation to its value for money initiatives. The key findings highlight areas of efficiency and effectiveness in the force.

Full report on hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk

Durham Anti-social behaviour inspection

2010-09-22 · force-specific report

This report evaluates the effectiveness of Durham police in addressing anti-social behavior. The key conclusion of the inspection is that while some efforts have been made, significant improvements are still required to enhance community safety.

Overall effectiveness: Requires improvement
Key findings (5)
  • The police response to anti-social behaviour needs improvement.
  • Partnership working is inconsistent across agencies.
  • Public confidence in reporting incidents is low.
  • Resource allocation does not cover all areas effectively.
  • Training for officers on handling anti-social behaviour is insufficient.
Recommendations (5)
  • Enhance community engagement initiatives.
  • Improve training for officers on anti-social behaviour.
  • Increase partnership activities with local agencies.
  • Develop better resource distribution plans.
  • Establish clear reporting channels for the public.
Full report on hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk

Durham Ipsos MORI Anti-social behaviour research results

2010-09-22 · thematic report

This report presents the findings of research conducted by Ipsos MORI on anti-social behaviour in Durham. The research aims to provide insights into the public's perception and experiences regarding anti-social behaviour, along with recommendations for improvement.

Full report on hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk

Durham Policing pledge

2009-10-12 · force-specific report

The Durham Policing pledge inspection report evaluates the performance and commitments of the Durham police force. The report highlights key findings and areas for improvement within the force's operations.

Full report on hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk

Durham - Joint inspection of police custody suites

2009-06-29 · thematic report

This report details the findings of a joint inspection of police custody suites in Durham. The inspection focused on various aspects of custody management including the treatment of detainees and the conditions in which they were held.

Full report on hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk

Durham North Basic Command Unit inspection follow-up

2006-11-30 · force-specific report

This report is a follow-up inspection of the Durham North Basic Command Unit, assessing the progress and effectiveness since the previous inspection. The inspection highlights key areas of performance and necessary improvements for better service delivery.

Full report on hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk

Durham Baseline assessment 2005

2006-09-29 · baseline report

This publication provides a baseline assessment of Durham police force in 2005. It evaluates the performance and operational efficiency of the force during that year.

Full report on hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk

Durham South Basic Command Unit inspection follow-up

2006-09-29 · force-specific report

This report follows up on the inspection of the Durham South Basic Command Unit, evaluating the progress made since the last inspection. The findings indicate areas of improvement as well as ongoing challenges faced by the unit.

Overall performance: Requires improvement
Key findings (5)
  • The inspection highlighted improvements in operational efficiency.
  • There remains a need for better community engagement.
  • Staff morale has reportedly improved since the last report.
  • Resource allocation is still an ongoing issue.
  • Some training programs have been successfully implemented.
Recommendations (5)
  • Enhance community outreach programs to build public trust.
  • Increase resource allocation for better operational support.
  • Develop more effective training strategies for staff.
  • Implement regular feedback mechanisms from the community.
  • Continue to monitor staff morale closely.
Full report on hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk

Durham South Basic Command Unit inspection follow-up

2006-03-30 · force-specific report

This report is a follow-up inspection of the Durham South Basic Command Unit. The inspection highlights areas of improvement and assesses the ongoing performance of the unit since the last review.

Full report on hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk

Durham Baseline assessment 2005

2005-09-29 · national report

This report assesses the performance and needs of Durham Police as part of a baseline assessment process. It provides insights into operational effectiveness and areas for improvement.

Full report on hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk

Durham South Basic Command Unit inspection

2005-03-30 · force-specific report

The report from the inspection of Durham South Basic Command Unit evaluates its operational effectiveness and community service. The findings highlight areas of strength and areas requiring improvement.

Full report on hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk

Durham Best value - police training

2004-06-29 · thematic report

This report evaluates the best value police training in Durham, focusing on effectiveness and areas for improvement. The main conclusion indicates that further enhancements are needed to optimize training processes.

Full report on hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk
Reviewed by the BlueLineHub Editorial Team
Last reviewed: 19 July 2026 · Next review due: 19 January 2027

Source: HMICFRS · Crown copyright, summarised under the Open Government Licence v3.0 · Archive indexed 2026-07-19. BlueLineHub is independent and not affiliated with HMICFRS.