Police chief's three appointments are a 'voice for victims'

Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen has appointed three new ‘safety champions’ to strengthen the voice of crime victims.

Domestic abuse victims’ champion, Chris McKay; victims’ champion Michael Banks, and anti-social behaviour champion, Andrea

Patterson will work with the Commissioner to ensure planning, policy and commissioning decisions reflect the needs and views of victims of crime.

The new recruits, who will take up their posts in January, will also ensure local victims of crime have the opportunity to raise issues or concerns and will be responsible for ensuring that Ms Allen has a greater depth of understanding of victims’ experiences.

Commissioner Allen said: “We have listened very carefully to local people and the areas they would like to see improved which has driven the creation of these new roles.Ournewchampionswill independently scrutinise our current provision and performance and will ensure we work much more closely with the people our services benefit making any change real and tangible.

“Their appointment will also boost the way in which I hold the force to account as I will ensure that the victims’ voices are heard at the highest level.”

Andrea Patterson served 17 years in local government in County Durham and Tees Valley and is a former lecturer at Bishop Auckland College.

Michael Banks retired from Durham Constabulary as Deputy Chief Constable in 2015 after 30 years’ service.

Chris Mackay is a social worker by profession who has spent 31 years with Durham County Council Children’s Services as both an operational and strategic manager.