Statement from Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner
Following the Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Panel meeting, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset, Martyn Underhill, said: “My view on the merge is already on record and was put before the Panel today. The Business Case is proved, and I am frustrated that a politician has stopped a proposal put forward and supported by operational policing leaders.
“Sadly, it seems that the people of Devon and Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly will now be paying the same for less.
“Alison Hernandez has said that her decision is not about politics, but I’d repeat an observation that I have already made – I do not believe that she has set out a clear rationale and she remains an outlier amongst the four decision makers. Consequently, despite her assertion, I must conclude that she has sought a particular course of action precisely because of political reasons.
“What is now important as we come out of the merger discussions is to reassure the residents of Dorset that we will carry on doing what we do. This is now very much business as usual. Dorset Police is a good force performing well, and it will continue to serve its people and its communities 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”