More neighbourhood officers to enhance town centre safety
Dorset Police to boost frontline presence with 11 new officers in Bournemouth
Dorset Police is set to increase its policing resources in Bournemouth town centre, with plans to introduce 11 additional officers dedicated to neighborhood issues.
This increase is part of Dorset Police's broader investment in neighbourhood policing, which started 12 months ago.
The recruitment is backed by the Government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee program, which has facilitated the hiring of officers across various roles over the past year.
Chief Superintendent Julie Howe, Commander for Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole, expressed pride in the move, highlighting the investment as a commitment to focus on public concerns, fight crime, and maintain Dorset as a safe county.
The recruitment will see 10 constables and one sergeant added specifically to Bournemouth town centre.
Visible hotspot policing has resulted in notable crime reductions over the past two years, with serious violence dropping by 22 percent and robbery by 24 percent in the Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole area.
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick lauded the initiative, aligning it with priorities in his Police and Crime Plan.
He emphasised the significance of residents feeling safe in their communities and thanked strong financial management and Project Evolve for enabling this policing boost.
Councillor Kieron Wilson from BCP Council also welcomed the move, citing it as a reassurance of safety in Bournemouth town centre while emphasising ongoing council efforts to enhance community security.
Paul Kinvig, Chief Operating Officer of Bournemouth Town Centre BID, noted the importance of increased police resources in improving local experiences for residents, workers, and visitors.
Police Constable Paige Hamilton, one of the officers joining the team, expressed eagerness to transition from patrol duties to community-focused problem solving.