You Said, We did – Violent crime and Knife Crime
Since coming into office, I have been keen to hear what residents think about local crime and policing. Your feedback isn’t just heard—it shapes how we tackle crime across Dorset. As I continue inviting Dorset residents to take part in my annual survey, I also want to continue showing how the results from previous surveys have directly shaped the work of my office and Dorset Police. This week, I want to focus on two more of the top concerns from last year’s survey: violent crime and knife crime.
Since I came into office, I have been calling for a Violence Reduction Unit in Dorset that would bring together partner agencies—including local councils, health, and education sectors—to commission services preventing serious violence. I am pleased to say that last year my office recruited a Head of Violence Reduction for Dorset, so we now have a team in place working to reduce violence. The Violence Reduction team collaborates with partners such as Victim Support to ensure interventions and diversions are put in place, and those most at risk are identified so adequate safeguards are installed. Alongside commissioning vital services and tackling the issues behind violence, the team uses data and research to understand what is needed locally, ensuring our support goes towards evidence-based interventions that address the issues in Dorset.
More recently, I announced a new initiative launched in partnership with University Hospitals Dorset and the charity No Limits to support young people in Bournemouth and Poole hospitals. Funded jointly by my office and the UHD Charity, this pilot provides expert support for 11 to 25-year-olds who come to emergency departments as victims of crime or those involved in violence. Specially trained youth workers will offer immediate help and guidance on issues such as drugs and alcohol, mental health, homelessness, and emotional resilience. Early intervention is key to tackling the causes of youth violence, and by reaching young people at a critical moment, we can help divert them from harm and build safer futures. This project is a great example of partnership working in action, and I look forward to seeing the positive difference it will make for young people across Dorset.
When it comes to knife crime specifically, I want to highlight that knife crime remains low: offences have decreased by 9% this year, and we are the fifth lowest county for knife crime nationally. That being said, one person carrying a knife is one too many, and I continue to work closely with Dorset Police, local authorities, schools, and community organisations to deliver a comprehensive approach to knife crime that combines prevention, education, and robust enforcement. In the last year, the force has carried out a number of activities to combat knife crime, including knife amnesties, working with schools and colleges to educate young people on the dangers of knife crime, and conducting under-age test purchases alongside Trading Standards with the help of the Dorset Police cadets.
Education is key to preventing knife crime. By giving young people knowledge, guidance, and positive choices, we can help keep our communities safe. Last year, my office worked with the force to create a series of informative and emotive videos about knife crime that are now being used by Dorset Police’s Safer Schools Team. One video features a consultant in emergency medicine who has treated victims of knife crime; the second is an interview with a victim’s family; the third features a man who previously carried a knife while part of a county line operation; and the final video features an officer recalling his experiences of dealing with the aftermath of knife crime incidents. This sort of impactful education is key in reducing the number of young people carrying knives, and so far, the videos have received positive feedback, with students commenting on how their views around knives have changed.
These initiatives—from tackling violent crime and knife crime to supporting young people at critical moments—demonstrate how your feedback drives real change in Dorset. Now it’s your turn: complete this year’s PCCS survey and make your voice heard. Your input directly shapes local policing priorities and helps keep our communities safe.
David Sidwick
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner