A SELF-styled tough guy police chief has revealed a softer side by turning to a hairdresser’s for tips on pleasing the public.

Durham Police’s no nonsense chief constable Mike Barton is best known for his relentless pursuit of organised criminal gangs – including his ‘Al Capone’ approach to targeting known “bad guys” for minor offences and sending “birthday cards” to crooks a year after their home is raided.

But, after a Durham Business School (DBS) study found workers at Toni and Guy (T&G) were the happiest in the world, Mr Barton today (Friday, May 10) visited the styling giant’s Durham salon to get some advice.

He saw the T&G approach first-hand, as the firm’s co-founder Toni Mascolo, who is currently visiting Durham, gave a hair cut to one of his officers, PC Katie Lawrence.

Mr Barton admitted it was an “alien environment” to him, but added: “I do need to show some people I’m a tough guy but I also want to be accessible to the vulnerable.

“There’s no point me always strutting around flexing my muscles. Sometimes you’ve got to show a humorous side.”

Durham Police has now asked DBS to investigate how it can improve its customer service, learning from T&G.

T&G understands engagement and communication is key and workers have to love their job, Mr Barton said.

“You’ve got to make sure people have confidence in the brand.

“We know there are small sections of communities where people still don’t trust the police or have confidence that if they call the police they’ll get an excellent service.

“And your staff have got to love their job. Hairdressers aren’t the best paid but they’re the happiest people in the world.

“Our job is often traumatic and dangerous. But the vast majority of my staff have a passion for policing and it’s my job to ensure their workplace is fun.”

The research project is expected to last at least two years.

On Thursday, Mr Mascolo was made an honorary professor of the business school and gave a talk at a leadership and engagement event at its Ushaw College base.