Dorset and Devon and Cornwall commissioners vow to work together

Police and Crime Commissioners from Devon and Cornwall and Dorset have vowed to work closely together to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour.

Following the elections in May Dorset has a new commissioner, David Sidwick, and in Devon and Cornwall Alison Hernandez is starting a new term.

Both are creating Police and Crime Plans – documents that set the strategy for police forces and commissioning - and have agreed to share ideas and best practice to get the best for their communities.

Both have committed to reducing crime and antisocial behaviour and drug dealing and to driving performance from a strategic alliance which has seen the two forces share resources to save money.

Improving visibility of police officers so the national uplift in police officer numbers is felt by taxpayers is also a priority.

Commissioner Hernandez said: “Both Dorset and Devon and Cornwall have significantly lower crime rates than the rest of the country but there is so much more to be done.

“Drug dealing and anti-social behaviour were priority areas that those who took part in my budget survey last year said most needed dealing with. Through the Vision Zero South West Partnership I am committed to reducing the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads.

“It is essential that we work hand in hand with other South West commissioners to combat some of the threats we face – such as organised gangs that bring drugs and violence to our part of the world, and I look forward to forging a productive relationship with David and his team.”

Commissioner Sidwick said: “My tenure will usher in greater level of cooperation between our Alliance partners and our neighbours across the South West region.  

“Devon and Cornwall and Dorset share common ground in wanting to tackle anti-social behaviour and drugs as well as managing the issues caused to our communities by large numbers of tourists visiting every summer. Tackling serious and organised crime across our region in both our urban and rural areas is something that drives significant criminality. I look forward to working closely with Alison and other partners across the region to deal with this and other issues.”