Deploy new resources to frontline duties
Despite cuts to police funding, the Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC) has remained determined to ensure any savings achieved from improved efficiency and the Strategic Alliance with Devon & Cornwall are used to enhance frontline policing resources – particularly to meet the changing nature of crime and demand.
Savings under the Strategic Alliance and the introduction of ‘Organisational Business Design (OBD)’ – a new delivery model for frontline policing – have increased the resource available to front line policing.
They have done this by making savings in back office areas and making the most of resources available to the frontline.
Through this work, the overall level of resources available to Dorset Police has increased, and the proportion of resources spent on back office functions has reduced from 10% to 9%, increasing the level of available resources in operational and operational support roles.
The full implementation of OBD has been designed to reduce demand on frontline officers by adopting a new approach, including a new deployment allocation system for certain types of activity. OBD improves the workforce allocation and workforce mix to better deliver the required Police & Crime Plan outcomes.
Funding has been allocated for the Performance of Routine Information System Management (PRISM) change programme, which has included the roll out of Body Worn Video (BWV), a new Command and Control system, and other technological developments such as a common Command Centre platform with Devon & Cornwall Police. PRISM has delivered vital change to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness.
The ‘Working Together’ programme with Devon & Cornwall Police has included the realisation of cashable savings, increases operational capacity and capability, whilst also delivering efficiencies in support service delivery.
Revenue funding of the capital programme has ensured a sustainable core capital programme, maintaining Force assets to an appropriate level.
The PCC and Chief Constable have also jointly created a £1M Innovation Fund.