Precept - Answering some of your questions
In this week’s newsletter, I’d like to respond to some of the feedback you’ve given us as part of our precept survey so far by outlining some of the work taking place. During our recent engagement events, you’ve told us what you would like to see happening, so I would like to take the time to address this and reassure you that in many of the examples raised we’re already tackling these issues. This is because we’ve listened to what you’ve told us previously and have taken steps to act and improve. As I have said before, asking the people of Dorset for more money in the policing precept is not something I want to do. However, to provide you with the level of policing we require in the county, and to ensure we can maintain what we already have, it is sadly necessary.
Along with my team, I have heard your views and feedback, and I thank you wholeheartedly. Whether you have agreed, disagreed, or raised issues, I am listening intently and want you to know I am grateful for your engagement across the board.
I also want to make clear that I have been fighting for more funding from the government since I came to office and will continue to do so. To reassure you, I have been relentless in lobbying for a fairer funding deal for Dorset, to ensure less burden on you, the taxpayer. Dorset is one of the least funded forces in the country from the national government grant. We are second from bottom in the table of 41 forces and I have been fighting on your behalf to change that. You can read more about the discrepancy in funding here.
Visibility
Many of you have mentioned officer visibility. While last year Dorset Police exceeded the target for the Government’s National Police Uplift Programme with 174 new officers coming into the force, I know that feelings of community safety are about more than just numbers. I want to assure you that I continue to work alongside the Chief Constable to ensure the public see and feel the difference as these officers join our teams. I also want to tell you that the significant majority of our new recruits are going into community roles. Building trust and confidence with our communities is a top priority in my Police and Crime Plan, and I am dedicated to delivering this. Neighbourhood Policing Teams are the backbone of community policing and I aim to ensure each area of Dorset is served by officers with a strong understanding of the needs of each of our communities. Through more community contact points in the past year, along with engagement events, specialist teams including the Rural Crime Team, and a recent improvement in response times across the force, we are working hard to deliver this important change for the people of Dorset. I know there is work still to do though, and will ensure I continue driving this change, with the force, on your behalf.
Anti-social behaviour
Tackling anti-social behaviour remains a priority for both Dorset Police and myself. I appreciate that for many Dorset residents, it is often the less serious crimes, the nuisance incidents, which can cause distress and upset. I am pleased the force has continued to implement Operation Relentless to tackle ASB, but I know enforcement alone is not the answer. This is why I have thrown my weight and funding behind the Operation Relentless Community Fund. This funds projects and initiatives to reduce ASB and increase community safety, and I am pleased to say we have seen success in reducing incidences across the county. This project has supported more than 31 organisations across Dorset with more than £117,000 of funding so far. Alongside the work with the Fix The Future initiative which helps to create more prevention and diversion schemes for young people, I want to assure you I am working hard to ensure you feel safer in your communities and young people are given more development opportunities.
County Lines
When it comes to tackling drug crime, I want you to know more action has been taken in the past year, with this focus continuing in 2024. Operation Scorpion and Operation Viper are set to disrupt even more drug supply lines, with the next phase of Scorpion taking place soon. The most recent phase saw 26 drug-related arrests, more than £93,000 worth of illegal drugs seized as well as the profits and paraphernalia of drug dealing, including cash and weapons taken off our streets. Away from enforcement, the prevention work undertaken by Dorset’s Combatting Drugs Partnership (CDP), in which I am the Senior Responsible Officer, has recently been praised by the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee. Through the CDP in Dorset we focus on four key areas – enforcement, treatment and recovery, prevention, and joint analytics across the county – and we intend to build upon this brilliant progress even further this year. Dealing with the issue of drugs is complex and requires a robust approach, but I am determined that tackling the problem of drugs and drug-related harm is at the top of our agenda.
Burglary
The most recent report from the Office of National Statistics in the latter half of 2023, confirmed that there had been a 14 per cent drop in the number of residential burglaries in Dorset. And while I am pleased the force continues to see a fall in this harmful offence, I want to take this opportunity to reassure you that Dorset Police do attend all domestic burglaries and have reiterated their commitment to uphold their 100% attendance rate. I vow to ensure this approach continues in our county. I understand the detrimental impact burglaries can have on victims. I know it is about more than just having possessions stolen, it is about the fundamental right to feel safe and secure in your own home.
Knife Crime
I want to reassure you that while we have the second lowest rate of knife crime across England and Wales, this does not mean we are complacent. In fact, we have intensified our efforts towards tackling this harmful offence. Just some of the measures include launching the Bournemouth Town Team with Dorset Police and other partners, my office also funded knife wands for every patrol car as well as a portable knife arch, and the Force-led Operation Fireglow and Operation Nightjar also tackled ASB and serious crime in their targeted patrols. I am clear though, dealing with the scourge of knife crime is not just the responsibility of the police. It is down to all of us, from local authorities, partners, charities, and individuals, to work together to drive down this offence. My campaign for a Violence Reduction Unit in Dorset will continue apace in 2024, as I strongly believe if we are to keep Dorset a safe place and ensure it remains so for the next generations, this is the way forward.
I hope by addressing some of these topics you have a better understanding of the work I am continuing to push for and get done on your behalf, and why I am having to ask for more in this year’s precept. My commitment to you is to continue working relentlessly to get a fairer funding deal to ensure Dorset becomes the safest county to live and work.
You can take the survey here
David Sidwick
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner