New Police and Crime Plan for Dorset
Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick has today unveiled his Police and Crime Plan aimed to make Dorset the safest county in England and Wales.
Speaking about the plan, the Police and Crime Commissioner said “For the last three and a half years, I have had the pleasure of speaking with, and hearing from, thousands of people who live and work throughout Dorset.
“Throughout this time – whether I was researching crime and community safety issues to inform my election manifesto; or executing my duties during my first months in office – the message from Dorset’s communities has been clear: they support my vision that this county should be the safest in England and Wales.”
“There are six priorities in my plan: Cut Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour; Make Policing More Visible and Connected; Fight Violent Crime and High Harm; Fight Rural Crime; Put Victims and Communities First; and to Make Every Penny Count.
The Police and Crime Commissioner continued “Each of the priorities are underpinned by the manifesto commitments I made during the PCC campaign. I have an unashamedly ambitious vision for Dorset and much of the Plan will only be achieved through bold and transformative activity.
“Some of this activity will take time, and skilful collaboration with partner agencies locally, regionally and nationally to realise. It is for this reason that I have set this Plan to cover two terms of office. Despite the challenge, I believe this vision can be achieved.”
“I wanted to become Police and Crime Commissioner because of the shared experiences I had with the people of Dorset. I saw it as my chance to make a real difference and that’s exactly what I intend to do – to make a real difference for my county, its residents, its businesses, and its communities.
I am Dorset born and bred and I have been lucky enough to always call this county my home. It is, already, a safe county, but I am determined that it should be the safest and I will work tirelessly on your behalf to realise that.”
Dorset Police Chief Constable Scott Chilton said: “I welcome the new Police and Crime Plan and look forward to working with the PCC on these priority areas aimed at making Dorset the safest county in the country.
“I am equally keen to ensure our communities are listened too and remain safe with Dorset a hostile place for those choosing to commit crime.
“We cannot do this alone and I know the PCC is focused on collaborative working with our partners whenever possible and to build on strong neighbourhood and strategic relationships we already have across Dorset and the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area.
“We will no doubt face some challenges during the coming months and years in terms of funding and ensuring operational policing reflects the priorities in the Police and Crime Plan, but I am committed to working as closely as possible to ensure an outstanding policing service to the people of Dorset.”