Dorset Police today, Monday 19 April, sees the formation of two Local Police Areas (LPAs) in its drive to provide an outstanding service to the people of Dorset.
These changes will allow the Force to better respond to the issues that matter most to communities.
The newly structured LPAs share their borders with corresponding councils. The Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council area forms the BCP LPA and will be led by Chief Superintendent Mark Callaghan. The County LPA, which covers the Dorset County Council area, will be led by Chief Superintendent Steve Lyne.
By localising policing resources across a range of services, including key areas such as neighbourhoods, investigations and safeguarding, Dorset Police will be able to work more proactively with partners to strengthen plans and provide a local service that works for local people.
Assistant Chief Constable Sam de Reya said: “Dorset Police is dedicated to providing an outstanding service to the people of Dorset, particularly the most vulnerable in our communities.
“By taking this approach we can focus in on the issues that our communities are facing and provide a robust, engaging, proactive and visible policing presence.
“We want to take this opportunity to form strong connections with our communities and partnership agencies so that we can properly listen, understand and respond to local issues and concerns.”
It comes at a time of investment and growth in the Force. National investment has already seen 50 new officers join Dorset Police, with a target of a further 50 over the next year.
Local commanders will be able to make the best use of the resources and continually improve the level of service provided to the public.
There will be opportunities over the coming months to engage directly with local officers, both in person and on social media.
