How should policing be organised in the future? Should decisions continue to be made close to local communities, or should more services be delivered through larger regional or national structures?
These are some of the questions at the heart of a major review of policing in England and Wales, and Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) David Sidwick is keen to ensure that local people have the opportunity to have their say.
The Shape of Policing to Come - in Dorset
The Government has recently announced plans to examine how policing is organised across the country, including a review of police force structures and proposals for a new National Police Service that would bring together a number of specialist policing functions currently delivered through separate national and regional arrangements.
While no decisions have yet been made about Dorset, the proposals could have important implications for the way policing is delivered in the future. To make sure the views of residents are represented in the conversation, David Sidwick has launched a public survey and is encouraging people from across the county to take part.
“These are potentially significant changes for policing, and it is vital that Dorset’s voice is heard,” said Mr Sidwick.
“At this stage, many of the details remain unclear and no decisions have been made about Dorset’s future. However, it is important that local people have the opportunity to share their views before any major decisions are reached.
“The independent review is not currently seeking direct public feedback, so I want to ensure residents, businesses, community groups and stakeholders across Dorset have a platform to express what matters most to them.”
Meeting the Challenges of Modern Crime
The Government has argued that reform is needed to help policing respond to increasingly complex challenges, including serious organised crime, cybercrime and evolving technology. Mr Sidwick agrees that policing must continue to adapt to the modern world.
“Criminality is changing, technology is changing and public expectations are changing,” he said. “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 judged simply by the size of organisations created, but by whether it improves outcomes for the public, strengthens local policing and keeps people safe.”
Keeping Local Priorities on the Agenda
One of the areas attracting considerable debate is the potential creation of larger police structures. While some believe bigger organisations could deliver greater efficiencies and provide access to more specialist resources, others are concerned about the potential impact on local accountability and community-focused policing.
For Dorset, there are unique challenges that differ from many larger urban areas. Issues such as rural crime, anti-social behaviour, shoplifting, drug-related crime and road safety are regular concerns for local communities and businesses. Mr Sidwick believes it is important that these priorities remain firmly on the agenda as discussions about reform continue.
“There is a risk that local concerns can be overlooked if decision-making moves further away from the communities being served,” he said.
“Dorset residents rightly want reassurance that the issues affecting their daily lives will continue to receive attention, whatever future policing model emerges.”
Questions Over Future Structures
The PCC has also highlighted the importance of ensuring that any proposed reforms are properly assessed and understood before decisions are made. Questions remain about how new structures would operate, how they would be funded and how they would fit alongside wider changes taking place across local government.
At the same time, there are ongoing discussions about local government reorganisation and the creation of new strategic authorities in some areas of the country. As a result, many people are asking how any future policing arrangements would align with these wider changes and what that could mean for local accountability.
Mr Sidwick believes these conversations make it even more important for Dorset residents to share their views.
“Strong local accountability has served Dorset well,” he said.
“Local people deserve the opportunity to influence decisions that could affect the future of their police service for decades to come.
“Whether people are supportive of the proposals, have concerns about them, or simply want to know more, I would encourage everyone to take part in the survey. The more responses we receive, the stronger Dorset’s voice will be in the national discussion.”
Have your say on policing in Dorset
The survey is open to anyone living, working or running a business in Dorset and seeks views on what matters most to local people when it comes to policing, community safety and accountability.
With major discussions about the future of policing now underway, this is an opportunity for Dorset residents to help shape the conversation and ensure local priorities are heard.
Complete the survey today
The Dorset PCC’s public survey on the future of policing is now open..
