PEOPLE without criminal convictions could be subject to covert surveillance, under new police tactics revealed this week.

Durham Police has begun applying methods used to contain people found guilty of violent or sexual crimes to individuals not convicted of such offences.

The Potentially Dangerous People (PDP) policy, which also involves the Northumbria and Cleveland forces, is a response to Government pressure to stop another case such as that of Ian Huntley.

The initiative is thought to be the first of its kind in the country and police chiefs are aware going public will raise concerns over human rights.

But Ian Scott, head of Durham CID, said: “Anything we do has got to be proportionate and legal.

This is about preventing offending.”

Mike Creedon, assistant director of County Durham Probation Service, said: “You’ve got to balance the human rights of the offender and the human rights of the potential victim in the community.

“We’re talking about people who constitute a very real threat to life or limb.”

People can be declared PDPs following a referral to the Public Protection Unit and a multi-agency meeting to discuss the case.

A PDP could be watched or contacted by police about their behaviour.

Since the policy was introduced three months ago, eight people have been referred, with two declared PDP.

Det Chief Supt Scott said the policy affected people in “present likelihood” of serious sexual or violent offending, such as rape, indecency towards children or wounding with intent.

It could affect people acquitted of serious crimes, investigated by the police but not prosecuted, or unfit to face charges due to mental health issues.

Det Chief Supt Scott said if the policy had been introduced earlier, crimes may have been prevented.

“We recognise there are some people who, for whatever reason, will not be cautioned or convicted but nevertheless pose a danger, and we have a responsibility to work in partnership to do something about that.

“The public should have confidence in all agencies who have responsibility to protect the public to do what they can to identify individuals who may be a danger.

“What we’re trying to do is avoid somebody saying: ‘We always knew it was going to happen’.”

The PDP scheme mirrors Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (Mappas), used to reduce the risk of serious criminals re-offending.