Police Reform Survey - residents have their say
Over 1,300 responses received as PCC pledges to ensure Dorset's voice is heard in national police reform debate.
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick has today published the results of a public consultation on the Government's proposed police reform programme, with more than 1,300 residents sharing their views on the future of policing in Dorset.
The survey was launched in August to give Dorset residents, businesses, and community organisations the opportunity to comment on proposals which could fundamentally reshape policing across England and Wales, including the potential merger of police forces into larger regional organisations. The consultation was undertaken because the national review process is not directly seeking public views, and the Commissioner was determined that Dorset's residents should have a voice in discussions that could affect their police service for decades to come.
A total of 1,302 responses were received, with results showing that while many residents were unaware of the proposed reforms, there are significant concerns about what any future changes could mean for local policing in Dorset.
The survey found that:
- 51% of respondents were unaware of the proposed reforms before taking part in the survey.
- 55% opposed the proposal to merge police forces into larger regional forces, while 17% supported the idea and 28% were unsure.
- Residents identified concerns around maintaining local policing and local priorities (83%), policing knowledge of local areas (70%), and visibility of police officers (68%).
- The most recognised potential benefits related to an improved ability to tackle complex crime such as cybercrime and organised crime, and greater sharing of resources between forces.
Commenting on the findings, David Sidwick, Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, said: "I would like to thank everyone who took the time to complete this survey. When I launched this consultation, I made it clear that Dorset's voice must be heard as discussions around police reform continue nationally. The response has been extremely strong and demonstrates that local people care deeply about the future of their police service.
"The results show that many residents have real concerns about the potential impact of policing reform, particularly around the loss of local policing, local accountability and Dorset's ability to set its own priorities. These findings reflect many of the concerns I have been raising since these proposals first emerged.
"At the same time, residents recognise the need for policing to evolve and appreciate the benefits that reform could bring in areas such as tackling serious organised crime, cybercrime and other increasingly complex threats. "What this survey makes clear is that people want reassurance that any changes will improve policing outcomes, not simply create larger organisations. Reform should be judged by whether it keeps communities safer, strengthens neighbourhood policing and delivers a better service to the public."
The consultation also highlighted wider concerns submitted through free-text responses, including fears that rural counties such as Dorset could receive lower priority within a larger regional structure, concerns about accountability and governance arrangements, and calls for increased investment in frontline policing. Many respondents also questioned whether the benefits being proposed could be achieved through greater collaboration between forces rather than formal mergers.
Mr Sidwick added: "I have consistently said that there is a case for modernisation and that policing must continue to adapt to changing criminality, technology and public expectations. However, change should only happen where there is clear evidence that it will deliver better outcomes for communities.
"I remain concerned that there is currently no clear business case which demonstrates the full costs and benefits of some of the proposals being discussed nationally. Dorset residents are understandably asking important questions about what this could mean for local policing, and those questions deserve answers.
"I will now ensure that the views expressed through this consultation are fed directly into national discussions so that Dorset's interests are properly represented. Whatever reforms emerge, I will continue to fight for strong local policing, fair funding for Dorset, and robust local accountability.”
