THOUSANDS of people belonging to County Durham's minority groups are being asked their views about policing.

The force has commissioned independent consultants to carry out surveys and hold a series of public meetings before reporting back on which areas of the service minority groups feel could be improved.

Members of more than 100 organisations will be involved.

The programme will include black and ethnic minorities, the elderly, young people, the disabled, drug addicts, gays, lesbians and bisexuals.

"Everyone deserves even-handed service from the police," said Chief Constable George Hedges.

"There are people who, for one reason or another, are isolated from some aspects of life and we need to be sure we are treating everyone fairly."

The programme, entitled Excellence Through Fairness, has started with questionnaires being sent to people in all of the county's six police divisions.

It will be followed by public meetings held at Chester-le-Street, Stanley, Peterlee, Darlington, Bishop Auckland and Newton Aycliffe next month.

Members of the groups targeted by the programme - as well as people who belong to no organisation - will be able to attend the "police free" sessions to air their views and raise questions.

The final stage of the research, due to be completed in September, will involve street interviews.

Chief Constable Hedges said: "It is likely that we have made some unfounded assumptions that we are getting things right in relation to minority groups, and that is why we have launched the surveys.

"We engaged outside consultants in the hope people will feel more comfortable in talking to independent specialists rather than police officers.

"This strategy will, we believe, give us the feedback we need.

"Ultimately, some of these minority groups may need a service tailored to their needs."

Force staff who are black, from an ethnic minority or disabled, will also be questioned as part of the study.

Chief Constable Hedges said: "Ultimately, we plan a series of workshops for senior managers to consider the findings of the research and discuss the way forward.

"A training programme for police officers and support staff is already being planned early next year to address any issues raised."