Still time to have your say on police funding

As Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner, I am committed to ensuring that policing in Dorset remains effective, visible, and responsive to the needs of our communities, while also representing good value for money for local taxpayers. An important part of that responsibility is setting the police precept, which helps fund Dorset Police and supports the services you rightly expect.

I want to hear your views before any decisions are made for the next year. The precept survey gives you the opportunity to have your say on the level of investment in local policing. Your feedback directly informs my decision-making and ensures that public opinion is at the heart of the process.

Dorset Police has a strong and well-evidenced record of managing public finances responsibly. The Force has consistently delivered productivity savings and used these efficiencies to reinvest in frontline policing, while balancing its annual budgets.

This prudent financial management has been independently recognised. His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services reported this year that Dorset Police “provides value for money and can show continuous improvement, efficiency savings and improved productivity and that it has sound financial management processes in place.” This external assurance is important, particularly at a time when public finances are under sustained pressure.

I encourage you to take a few minutes to complete the precept survey. Your views matter, and together we can help ensure that Dorset Police remains effective, efficient, and focused on keeping Dorset safe.

Take the survey here.

David Sidwick

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner