POLICE are going virtual to trial an online version of their traditional monthly public meetings.

Darlington Police are hosting an online Police and Communities Together (Pact) meeting next month, giving residents the chance to ask officers any questions they may have about policing in the town.

During the meeting PC John Forster and Sergeant Louise Guest, of Darlington police, will be on hand to answer any questions and offer advice to residents.

Darlington Police hold monthly Pact meetings in all wards of the town to give residents the chance to meet their local beat officer and discuss any problems with crime and antisocial behaviour.

The online meeting is designed to give people who don't normally get to attend their local Pact meeting the chance to ask police any questions they may have.

Annette Metcalfe, partnership liaison officer for Durham police, said it will be the first meeting of its kind in Darlington.

“It will be interesting to see how many people we can engage with during the Pact meeting,” she said.

“We have more than 2,000 people who use our Facebook page and we connect with people from all over Darlington.

“If it is successful, we will look into making it a more regular thing.”

The Pact meeting will take place on Wednesday, April 3 from 3pm to 5pm on the Darlington Neighbourhood Police Teams Facebook page.

To take part in the meeting, visit Facebook and search for Darlington Neighbourhood Police Teams.