On the back of being assessed as the third safest policing area in England and Wales, Devon & Cornwall Police is launching its Neighbourhood Policing Community Charter.
Outlining its commitment to local neighbourhoods. The charter has been developed in consultation with local communities, partner agencies and employees. Shaped by six fundamental themes, the charter sets out what residents and visitors to the counties of Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly can expect from the Force.
- Visibility and accessibility
- Responding to our communities
- Crime prevention
- Vulnerability
- Relationships with local communities and visitors to the area
- Working with partner agencies
These have been chosen to reflect that, despite the changing nature of crime and demand for policing, the effects of crime are felt by real people in real places.
Assistant Chief Constable Glen Mayhew QPM, the Force’s lead for local policing, said: “Devon & Cornwall Police is committed to neighbourhood policing, which sits firmly at the heart of our organisation. This Charter further reinforces our pledge to providing a quality policing service and protecting people from harm.
“I am pleased that a recent report from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) positively highlighted our approach to neighbourhood policing. We will continue to build on this good work and use all the assets we have available to provide bespoke neighbourhood policing across our communities.
“People who live in and visit Devon and Cornwall deserve an excellent service. Our preference will always be to prevent crime in the first place. By introducing this Charter, we place a focus on how we can best work with our partners and communities to do this.”
The HMICFRS PEEL (Police Effectiveness, Efficiency and Legitimacy) 2023-25 report praised Devon & Cornwall Police’s use of problem solving and early intervention to help reduce crime, highlighting that the Force works well with other organisations to find the root cause of repeat problems and make changes to help make communities safer.
Visibility and accessibility pledges to local communities that the police teams will focus on persistent problems that affect people such as anti-social behaviour, as well as making sure that officers and PCSOs are known in their neighbourhoods and are easy to contact.
Neighbourhood policing teams will carry out surveys and engagement events, allowing them to proactively respond to their communities and understand local concerns. The teams will keep people updated on what they are doing to tackle these issues.
The prevention and reduction of crime is embedded in all police work. Local teams will work with specialist officers and staff, as well as partners, to undertake preventative measures using a problem-solving approach.
By identifying vulnerabilities in our communities, neighbourhood policing teams will be able to target resources towards the people and places at the greatest risk of harm. The Force will continue to enhance the support that the Victim Care Unit offers vulnerable victims of crime.
Neighbourhood teams will continue to build strong relationships with communities to prevent and address problems. This includes investing in community-based watch schemes and maintaining a diverse Independent Advisory Group (IAG) and Custody Lay Visitor Scheme in every area.
The importance of partnerships is also highlighted in the Charter. While the police have primary responsibility for preventing and detecting crime and keeping people safe, they may not necessarily have the power or means to solve them. Officers will work with partners to deliver joint solutions to local issues.
The complete Neighbourhood Policing Community Charter can be read here: https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/police-forces/devon-cornwall-police/areas/campaigns/campaigns/neighbourhood-policing-community-charter/
Find your neighbourhood policing team and discover upcoming community contact point events in your area where you can speak with officers by visiting www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/area/your-area/. Get local updates straight to your inbox by signing up to Devon and Cornwall Alert at alerts.dc.police.uk.
Visit www.devon-cornwall.police.uk to report crime or call 101. If a crime is in progress or anyone is in danger, dial 999.
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