A NEW team of PCSOs will soon been taking to the streets of County Durham and Darlington after being welcomed into the force this week.

The 19-strong group met Chief Constable Jo Farrell and Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen as they commence their training on Monday.

The 12-month programme will see the new recruits put through their paces with the four weeks of training before being assigned a mentor at one of our stations.

Once completed, the next stage will see the recruits learn more about the role and partnership working, before gaining more experience on the job.

The final phase of the training sees the recruits identify a problem in the area in which they patrol and produce a Problem Orientated Plan (POP) to tackle it. They then share their experiences at the end of the 12 months.

Chief Constable Farrell said: “I am delighted to welcome the latest intake of PCSOs who will play an integral role in protecting the communities of County Durham and Darlington.

“PCSOs are an extremely important part of the work we do. They will get to know their communities and really make a difference to people’s lives.

“I wish them all the best with what I know will be a varied, challenging and rewarding career ahead of them.”

Ms Allen added: “It’s been a pleasure to welcome the new recruits to the force and I wish them the best in their career with Durham Constabulary.

“PCSOs are invaluable to the force as they support in solving local community problems and provide increased visibility of police presence on the streets.”

“Their recruitment reflects my commitment to invest in neighbourhood policing, to make the communities of County Durham and Darlington safer, stronger and more resilient to crime and anti-social behaviour.”

• Applications to become a police officer at one of the top-performing police forces in the country open on July 16.

Find out more now or download your application pack (from July 16) here www.durham.police.uk/Recruitment/Police-Officers

Durham Police will also be hosting LIVE Q&A sessions on our Durham Constabulary Facebook page on July 5, at 3pm; July 8, at 5pm; July 13 at 3pm and July 15 at 5pm.

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