Joy Allen has started her new role as Police and Crime Commissioner for County Durham and Darlington.
She becomes the second PCC for the area, following the recent election held on Thursday, May 6.
Ms Allen met staff from the Office of the Durham Police and Crime Commissioner as well as the chief constable and is eager to start working on priorities for the people of County Durham and Darlington.
She will be responsible for holding the chief constable to account for the performance of the police force, effectively making the police answerable to the communities it serves.
âThroughout my campaign, I listened to the people of County Durham and Darlington and I look forward to working with the Chief Constable to bring their priorities to fruition,â she said.
âMy vision is to ensure local communities are safer, stronger and more resilient to crime and anti-social behaviour.
âI canât wait to get started and deliver a plan that focuses on peopleâs priorities, working with a wide range of partners to reduce crime, victimisation, offending and anti-social behaviourâ.
Joy Allen takes over from acting Police, Crime and Victimsâ Commissioner Steve White, who will now return to his role as chief executive.