MEETINGS will be held across County Durham next week to give ethnic and other minority groups the chance to shape future policing.
The force has announced that it has appointed a firm of consultants to find out how the group felt policing could be improved.
A postal survey, targeting members of more than 100 organisations, will be reinforced by the concerns, expectations and views aired at the 'police-free' meetings. Researchers will also conduct street interviews.
As well as ethnic minorities, the researchers will be seeking the views of groups including the disabled, homosexuals and lesbians, drug users and travellers.
Chief Constable George Hedges has said that the force needs to be sure it is treating 'everyone fairly' and that some minority groups may need a service specially tailored to their needs.
A meeting will be held in Darlington on Wednesday in the Arts Centre, Vane Terrace, from 2.30 to 4.30pm.
The Sedgefield division meeting will be held on Thursday evening between 7.30pm and 9.30pm at Cobblers Hall, Newton Aycliffe.
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