A pioneering approach to the harm caused by alcohol abuse has been officially launched by Durham Constabulary.
The new Alcohol Harm Reduction Unit is now operating at Annand House at Meadowfield, Durham, with a satellite office in Darlington.
It provides a forcewide response to tackling alcohol harm, replacing the previous arrangements of two licensing units for the north and south parts of the constabulary area.
The aim is to take a more focused approach, working with partner agencies and bringing in new procedures and processes to tackling the wider harm caused by alcohol.
“Our aim is to reduce the impact which alcohol-related incidents are having on our communities, improve how we manage, plan and control all aspects of licensing, improve intelligence gathering and information sharing and target offenders committing alcohol-related crime,” says Superintendent Ivan Wood of Durham Constabulary’s Neighbourhood Command.
“Official figures show that alcohol is related to 32% of all violent crime, 42% of domestic assaults and 20% of anti-social behaviour.”
The unit is co-located with the licensing, trading standards, environmental protection and food hygiene branches of Durham County Council.
It is headed by an inspector, with a sergeant, the alcohol harm reduction officer, and PCSOs. The satellite office at Darlington has a sergeant and PCSO.
Supt Wood added: “This will be a problem-solving approach to tackling alcohol harm – we want to identify potential issues at an early stage and intervene before they get the chance to grow and have a major impact on our communities.
“The result should be further reductions in crime and disorder and an increase in public confidence.
“Our aim is for Durham Constabulary to be the national leader in tackling alcohol harm.”
Owen Cleugh, consumer protection manager at Durham County Council, said: “We welcome the creation of the alcohol harm reduction unit. Our environment, health and consumer protection staff have worked with the police and other agencies to tackle alcohol control and work with the industry to encourage responsible retailing.
“The new unit being based alongside the council’s team is enabling us to share resources, intelligence and best practice to ensure that together we can work effectively to tackle the harm caused by alcohol.
“Our partnership work will help responsible retailers and enable us to take action against those that are not.”
Pictured above (left to right): Insp Colin Dobson, Supt Ivan Wood, Joanne Waller, head of Environmental Services, Durham County Council, Craig Rudman, Licensing Manager, Durham County Council.