THE police force that serves County Durham is undertaking a major review to determine how it can better serve its communities.

Starting in the next few weeks, Durham Constabulary will begin an in-depth investigation into the force's staffing and structure.

The force's Deputy Chief Constable, Paul Garvin, said that the priority of the study was to ensure people's needs were being met.

"It is important that we focus on delivering what is most important to the public," he said.

"People always want to see police officers and for them to be accessible. We need to review where police are and make sure they are in the right place, doing the right thing."

Mr Garvin said the review might result in some officers' duties being assigned to other staff.

"We will be asking if there are some things they shouldn't be doing and looking at using support staff and wardens," he said.

While no extra officers will be employed, because the force lacks the necessary funding, the review is not expected to lead to job losses.

He said : "We may end up moving people into different places in the organisation, but it is not about reducing the number of staff. This is not a cost-cutting exercise," he said.

Chief Superintendent Trevor Watson will lead the review, which is expected to be completed next summer.