POLICE could be better off visiting busy pubs and clubs than staging community meetings in quiet village halls, says a Darlington inspector.

A restructuring of the PACT (Police and Communities Together) initiative could see some meetings dropped and replaced by a more immersive form of policing.

PACT meetings were set up across Darlington and County Durham to enable residents to address any concerns with local councillors and police representatives.

Some meetings have proved popular while others are sparsely attended and not a wise use of resources, says Darlington’s Neighbourhood Inspector Caroline Dawson.

She believes officers in some areas would be better off immersing themselves in community events and meeting members of the public where they already gather.

An on-going review of the PACT initiative has caused concern with some local councillors, who fear losing valuable contact time with officers.

Insp Dawson spoke out today to reassure anyone worried about potential changes.

She said the concept of PACT would not disappear but in a time of dwindling resources, a change of direction was needed.

Instead of dispatching officers to poorly attended meetings, she has suggested they visit a number of community events and meeting places.

She said: “The force currently spends 510 hours across the county every month at PACT meetings.

“It’s really important to engage a cross section of the community and we also need to make sure resources are in the right place.

“I’ve never been convinced PACT is the only way to listen to people about issues around public safety, crime and anti-social behaviour.

“This could be an opportunity for more engagement, not less – it means we are coming to you rather than expecting you to come to us.”

New proposals could see officers visit community spaces like village halls, pubs or parks to mingle with people attending events, whether they’re Zumba classes, bowling clubs or mother and baby groups.

Insp Dawson said: “Nothing is set in stone and where PACT meetings work well, we will continue to hold them.

“These changes are about old fashioned policing and reaching a cross section of society – we want people to come talk to us, wherever we are.

“With smaller PACT meetings, there’s a worry that priorities are being set by a minority of people that may not be truly representative of the wider area.

“It’s better to be somewhere busy than in a cold village hall with hardly anybody there.”