Police shake-up 'could affect future of service', Teesdale Mercury

Police shake-up 'could affect future of service'

Nov 22, 2005

THE team leader of Teesdale and Weardale Search and Rescue Team has expressed concerns that changes to the region’s police force could have 'significant implications' on the future of the service.

David Bartles-Smith says he is worried that a split Durham police force would have an impact on the team.

He says they would struggle to cope with increasing demands if the logistical, communications and financial support they currently receive from Durham Constabulary is reduced.

However police chiefs insist the support would continue after the planned changes to the police force.

The Home Office has identified a regional North East force joining Durham, Cleveland and Northumbria constabularies as the most suitable option for the future.

But Cleveland Constabulary is calling for a Tees Valley force that would include South Durham and Darlington.

Mr Bartles-Smith said: "We were concerned that by breaking Durham up, the communications and logistical set-up we have now would be disrupted. If the force stays as one then there is a better chance that the service will remain at its current high standard."

Chairman of Cleveland Police Authority, David McCluckie insists that splitting the force would not have an impact on the search team.

He said: "We would support the rescue team whole-heartedly with the resources we have.

"Cleveland Police already have a close working relationship with our own existing search and rescue teams who patrol our own dense rural areas.

"We would want to enhance the service with some of the skills that our own rescue agencies have. It would continue to be a tight working relationship."

And retiring Durham Chief Constable Paul Garvin, who is backing the option of a force covering the whole of the North East, says he believes the rescue team will continue to receive the support needed to perform its role, when the changes take place.

He stressed that his successor John Stoddart also shares this view.   

He said: "I am confident that the service the search and rescue team provides will continue. It is of key importance to Durham Constabulary as they provide such as valuable service.

"The rescue service is part of a long-term plan for local neighbourhood policing in the North East and that will not change due to the changing of Durham Constabulary's structure."

Teesdale and Weardale Search and Rescue team believes its close cooperation with Durham Constabulary represents a blueprint for the future of policing of the North East.

Mr Bartles-Smith said: "The structure and organisation of the force stands out in the UK as a model search and rescue service.

"Our hope is that the service we provide here in Teesdale would be rolled out in a larger regional North East force."

Barnard Castle Inspector, Kevin Tuck, backed this call. He said: "The way ahead is to spread the positive partnership we have with Teesdale Rescue Team to other search teams across the region, building on what they have in place.

"They provide vital search and rescue expertise for both urban and rural situations.

"They indirectly help fight crime and anti-social behaviour by reducing the number of police officers who have to be drafted away from the streets at short notice to deal with missing person cases."