NORTH Yorkshire residents got the chance to find out about challenges facing police and what they are doing to keep the public safe in a recent exhibition.

North Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner Julia Mulligan attended the exhibitions, which took place across the country at Malton, Harrogate, York, Thirsk and Richmond, and was on hand to discuss the tough decisions being faced by the force, as well as about budgets and future plans, including how police will be using technology more.

The exhibition gave an insight into the number and type of incidents the police deal with in a year, the different roles within policing, and how the police are using technology to target criminal activity.

Chief Constable Dave Jones said: "People are hearing a lot in the news about cuts to police budgets, and it is no secret that all police services are facing financial challenges.

"But here in North Yorkshire we are working hard to find more efficient and effective ways to protect communities, and we wanted to share that approach with the public.

"This exhibition was a great way for people to discover what is happening at North Yorkshire Police."

Mrs Mulligan said: "The financial situation means that all public services are having to make some tough decisions - including the police - so it is important that we help everyone to understand the issues.

"I was very pleased to meet people at the events, and share the direction of travel for the North Yorkshire Police."