Police and Crime Commissioners statement following the conclusion of the inquest into the death of Gaia Pope

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick is issuing a statement following the conclusion of the inquest into the death of Gaia Pope.

First in my thoughts are the family and friends of Gaia Pope, who was just 19 when she tragically died in 2017. They suffered a devastating loss and I send my sincere condolences.

Since becoming Police and Crime Commissioner last year, I have met privately with members of Gaia’s family to listen to and understand their concerns. I have also listened intently to the inquest over these past weeks, and I will be meeting with the Chief Constable to discuss what other changes need to be made to improve the service delivered to missing people and their families.

I have already been assured that the way in which missing people cases are handled by Dorset Police has significantly changed since Gaia’s death.

As Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner, it is incumbent on me – as the representative of the people – to scrutinise and challenge the performance of the Force and to hold the Chief Constable to account.

In the coming weeks, months and indeed years ahead, I will continue to carry out regular and detailed scrutiny and review to ensure that lessons have been learned and our communities receive the level of service that they expect and deserve.

Once again, I’d like to express my deepest sympathies for Gaia’s family and friends at what must be an extremely difficult time.

 

David Sidwick 

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner