POLICE across Dorset are set to implement plans to return 'community focused policing' on the county's streets.

Dorset Police has renewed plans under the Neighbourhood Engagement Commitment (NEC) initiative so communities can communicate as effectively as possible with officers.

These plans will be published on the police website over the coming weeks on the relevant neighbourhood policing pages.

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The NEC establishes minimum standards and common objectives that each neighbourhood policing team aims to achieve within their policing area.

Chief constable James Vaughan said: "Neighbourhood policing is at the heart of everything we do and building trust and confidence with our communities is vital in helping us to prevent crime, keep people safe, especially the most vulnerable members of our communities, and bring offenders to justice.

“These plans will ensure our service is delivered at a local level where partners and communities can see and feel an outstanding service.

“It's vital that our communities have a voice, especially after one of the most difficult years in recent times.

"The way in which we engage with our communities changed dramatically overnight due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Unfortunately, our face-to-face engagement was affected by the pandemic, but we have worked hard to find alternative ways to remain connected with the public - such as virtual calls and greater use of social media and Dorset Alert."

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Views and perceptions of crime are impacted by personal experiences and concerns within their area.

These NECs will ensure communities receive a local level response to crime, which is representative and meaningful.

The commitment, and the neighbourhood plans that flow from it, aims to outline how community policing teams will engage with their area through meetings, partnerships and social media feeds - as well as linking in with partner agencies to share best practice and good ideas.

The plans cover all areas of Dorset and have been developed by the respective local policing area commanders.

David Sidwick, Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, said: "The return of community focused policing to the streets of Dorset is one of my main priorities and will be key to the police and crime plan I am now developing.

"I look forward to working closely with the Force over the coming months and years to build on the Neighbourhood Engagement Commitment and ensure our officers are as close as possible to the people they represent."

For more, visit: www.dorset.police.uk/NPT