Dorset's police and crime commissioner has said that 'it's vital' that communities feel connected to officers after a new online tool was launched.

People can now find where they can meet police officers face-to-face and see what the local priorities are thanks to a new interactive map.

It is part of Dorset Police’s drive to improve contact between members of the public and officers.

Dorset PCC David Sidwick has praised the online resource which will allow members of the public to speak directly to an officer from their Neighbourhood Policing Team.

He said: “It is vital that the public feel connected to the people who serve them, and this is just one of the measures being taken to ensure my Police and Crime Plan pledge to make policing more ‘visible and connected’ in Dorset is upheld."

The interactive map allows users to find a police station or community contact point near them and click to find the address, the opening hours and information about crimes and priorities in the area.

The project follows a pilot programme in 2022 in which Dorset Police used a police van as a mobile office.

Police station front desks have opened in Sherborne, Gillingham, Blandford, Bridport, Weymouth, Lyme Regis and Swanage, which is largely down to an additional 174 officers being recruited under the national police uplift.

Members of the public will be able to speak to trained staff who can help with crime reporting, crime prevention advice and help with accessing victim services, which Mr Sidwick has said is 'integral' to communities feeling safer.

There are 72 Contact Point drop-in events scheduled across the county, including in Shaftesbury, Dorchester, Weymouth, Portland and Swanage.

Mr Sidwick added: “I know how vital it is for the people of Dorset that a police presence is physically seen and felt, and I want to continue to build that trust and confidence between the force and the public through initiatives like this.

“I would urge people to use these offices to report incidents or provide information. They are places where you can speak face-to-face with the police and get that important engagement, I know so many people have asked for.”

For a full list of where you can speak to officers and to look at the interactive map visit www.multisites.dorset.police.uk/dorset-police-contact-points/