A TRAINING company set up by a former County Durham police officer has been awarded a contract by one of Britain's biggest police forces.

Elms Associates Ltd, based in Darlington, was set up by director Michael Wilkinson to train others in crime prevention and community safety.

Mr Wilkinson, a long-serving officer with Durham Constabulary, has been approached by the Metropolitan Police to present a series of seven-day crime prevention design advisor courses to community-based officers.

The three courses will examine how legislation impacts upon community safety and community justice, including the Crime and Disorder Act, Human Rights Act, Data Protection Act and Freedom of Information Act.

Mr Wilkinson said: "Each course will provide a comprehensive overview of the specific legislation, followed by practical advice on how it should be applied when dealing with community safety and community justice issues.

"We will also look at everyday crime and disorder problems which affect London's communities, such as site security, criminal damage, anti-social behaviour and Asbos, and look at the most effective approaches to problem-solving."

Elms Associates has more than 40 consultants with a specialised knowledge in enforcement, law, security, management and social care.

It has worked previously with police forces in the North of England, the Home Office and the Scottish Office, local authorities and private companies.

Mr Wilkinson said: "We offer training and education programmes that are structured to provide those employed within the enforcement, policing, security and community justice sectors with the skills and knowledge needed to operate efficiently and effectively."