The importance of police reform
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick has launch a public survey to give Dorset residents the opportunity to have their say on the future of policing, following the Government's announcement of major policing reforms and a review of police force structures across England and Wales.
The survey will gather views from residents, businesses, community organisations and local stakeholders to help ensure Dorset's voice is heard as national discussions about the future shape of policing continue.
David Sidwick said: "There is clearly significant change on the horizon for policing. While many of the details remain unknown and no decisions have been made about Dorset's future, I believe it is essential that the people of Dorset have the opportunity to express their views now.
The independent review is not currently seeking direct feedback from the public, so I want to ensure that Dorset residents have a platform to make their voices heard.”
The Government's plans include a review into reducing the number of police forces in England and Wales, alongside proposals for a new National Police Service that would bring together a number of specialist policing functions currently delivered through different national and regional arrangements.
Mr Sidwick continued: “I recognise the case for modernisation but any reforms must deliver clear benefits for communities. Policing must continue to evolve. Criminality is changing, technology is changing and public expectations are changing. It is right that we consider how policing is organised to meet future challenges.
However, change should always be for the better. Reform should not be measured by the size of organisations created, but by whether it improves outcomes for the public, strengthens local policing and keeps people safe."
The Commissioner has raised concerns about whether the costs and benefits of some of the proposed reforms have been fully demonstrated.
"The creation of a centralised National Police Service is likely to cost millions of pounds, yet there is currently no published business case setting out the full financial implications.
My concern is simple. If funding is diverted away from frontline services in Dorset to establish new national structures, local communities could end up receiving less rather than more. Equally, if national reform becomes the priority while resources are removed from projects that directly tackle crime, then we need to ask whether that is the right approach."
Mr Sidwick pointed to a number of initiatives which play an important role in tackling serious and organised crime, including Regional Organised Crime Units (ROCUs), wastewater analysis programmes, the British Transport Police County Lines Task Force and Drug Testing on Arrest schemes.
"While discussions take place about major structural reform, we must not lose sight of the practical tools and initiatives that help law enforcement identify offenders, disrupt organised crime and protect the public. Reform should enhance those capabilities, not come at their expense."
The Commissioner also warned against assuming that larger policing organisations automatically deliver better local policing.
"There is a risk that structural reform is driven by a belief that bigger is always better. Dorset's communities will want reassurance that local concerns will remain local priorities.
Crime issues such as shoplifting, anti-social behaviour, drug dealing and rural crime have a significant impact on residents across Dorset. Any future policing model must continue to focus on these issues and not become disproportionately focused on the challenges facing larger urban areas elsewhere."
Mr Sidwick believes that Dorset's long-term interests would be best served through fairer funding arrangements that recognise the county's unique policing demands.
"For Dorset, the conversation should not simply be about whether policing is managed from a larger regional headquarters or whether Dorset becomes part of a bigger force area.
There is a strong argument that fairer funding for local policing would deliver greater benefits for Dorset residents than structural reform alone."
The Commissioner has also highlighted concerns about the relationship between policing reform and wider changes to local government.
"At the same time these discussions are taking place, Local Government Reorganisation is creating new strategic authorities across the country.
There appears to be limited alignment between the timetable for local government reforms and the timetable being discussed for police restructuring. There are also wider questions about governance, accountability and how future policing structures would interact with emerging mayoral authorities.
These are important issues that deserve careful consideration before any decisions are made."
Mr Sidwick said the survey will help ensure Dorset's views are clearly represented in future discussions.
"One thing I am absolutely clear about is that Dorset's voice must be heard. Strong local accountability has served Dorset well and local people deserve the opportunity to influence decisions that could affect the future of their police service for decades to come.
“There is no evidence to indicate that larger police forces perform better than smaller ones. This policy appears to be aimed at reducing local accountability and democratic scrutiny, and I am concerned it will result in the erosion of local policing, lower crime detection rates, and a poorer service for the public.”
“I would encourage everyone to take part in the survey and tell us what matters to them. Whatever reforms emerge nationally, they should reflect the priorities and expectations of the communities they are there to serve."
The public survey is now open and can be completed online here.