'Seamless' policing scheme begins

A pilot policing scheme offering people the chance to call in and see an officer has opened in County Durham.

The year-long trial is designed to give the public a "seamless" service and has started operating in Darlington, Peterlee and Seaham.

People can book an appointment at the centres or arrange for a police officer to visit them at home.

The three surgeries will be staffed seven days a week, for 11 hours daily, by a team of officers.

The trial is similar investigation-by-appointment projects already successfully tried and tested by a number of forces.

Inspector Joanne Turnbull, project manager, said: "The fixed appointment system will ease pressure on front-line staff, allowing them to concentrate on emergency and priority calls.

"At the same time it will extend our non-urgent service, giving people the opportunity to talk to officers, directly, when they need to see one."