THE Chief Constable of Dorset Police has vowed to put more officers on the streets as part of a new vision for the force.
Dorset Police Chief Constable Scott Chilton, who was appointed to the role in August last year, wants to make Dorset the safest place in the country and has promised the force will be "relentless" in tackling criminal activity.
His vision for the county's policing involves putting more officers on the streets, being responsive to calls from the public, and having an increased presence within the community, via mobile police stations, neighbourhood surgeries and dedicated enforcement teams.
Chief Constable Chilton said: “I am committed to creating a hostile environment for criminals in Dorset, we will switch the misery from those victims of crime to those who cause pain by tackling them head-on.
“We are committed to bringing more offenders to justice and our communities will see a more visible and proactive police force in Dorset."
But despite a Home Office funding increase of more than seven per cent this year, Dorset will also see the second-fewest additional officers recruited.
Home Office figures show that of the £16.9 billion being spent on nationwide policing in 2022/23, £158.4m will be given to Dorset services – a 7.3 per cent increase on last year.
Nevertheless, Chief Constable Chilton has said the force will be investing in county lines enforcement teams and neighbourhood enforcement teams.
His vision includes tackling criminals travelling into Dorset; targeting organised criminals who prey on young and vulnerable people and ensuring the force has "robust and streamlined investigation processes" to get those who need to be taken off the streets behind bars as quickly as possible.
“We also need to provide a quality service to victims and put them at the heart of everything we do," he continued.
"While recorded crime in Dorset remains relatively low, our communities are constantly telling me they want greater visibility from their local police, and action to tackle behaviour and criminality directly affecting their lives – now we will see a change to address these issues."
“My vision is a commitment to responding to those concerns and putting our resources in the right places.
“Whether this be in our towns, in our rural communities or online cybercrime, all of my officers and staff will be playing their part in delivering this new approach and I know our communities will see a real difference in how policing is delivered.”
The strategy aligns closely to the police and crime plan already published by Dorset PCC David Sidwick and will see all criminal justice partners across Dorset coming together and playing their part in making the county the safest place to live, visit and work.
The Chief Constable’s vision has been "wholeheartedly" welcomed by Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick.
"I very much support the approach of being tough on crime,” he said. "The Chief Constable’s Police and Crime Plan is based on what the people of Dorset told me was important to them when I was campaigning to become PCC.
“It clearly states that Dorset Police will be tougher on crime - a key element when it comes to achieving our shared ambition to make Dorset the safest county.”
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