Force celebrates the outstanding commitment of its neighbourhood policing teams in keeping communities safe
Dorset Police is recognising its dedicated neighbourhood teams for their ongoing commitment in engaging with communities, being tough on crime and keeping people safe as part of Neighbourhood Policing Week of Action 2026.
This national week runs from Monday 15 June to Sunday 21 June and aims to highlight the vital work carried out by police officers, police community support officers (PCSOs) and volunteers, who go above and beyond to protect the public and make a difference in our communities.
Neighbourhood policing teams continue to engage in high-visibility hotspot patrols to target serious crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB) and these patrols have resulted in significant reductions of offences compared to a five-year average, with some of the most notable decreases being 30.5 per cent in Boscombe precinct, 20.8 per cent in Wimborne Minster and 40.1 per cent in Weymouth town south.
Chief Superintendent Julie Howe said: “Our neighbourhood policing teams are at the heart of our communities, working tirelessly every day to keep people safe, listen to concerns and make a positive difference.
“This week is an opportunity to recognise and thank each and every one of them for the incredible work they do every day to protect the public, prevent crime and build strong relationships within our communities across the whole of the county, including those living and working in rural areas.
“Since March 2026 we have uplifted our neighbourhood teams across the county by 40 officers with a further 15 due to arrive after the summer, allowing those teams to continue to tackle criminality around drugs, anti-social behaviour and violence.
“During the summer we see a significant increase in visitors, and our neighbourhood teams are out and about across Dorset focusing on tackling the crimes and issues that matter most to our communities. We enhance our resourcing where we see increased numbers of people, such as seafront areas and continue to work with our partners to be proactive in preventing and deterring disorder to keep our communities safe.
“The dedication, compassion and commitment to making a real difference, whether they are tackling local issues, supporting vulnerable people or simply being a visible and reassuring presence, is something I am extremely proud of, and I am grateful for the trust they continue to build with the communities we serve.”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick, said: "Neighbourhood policing is at the heart of keeping our communities safe and maintaining public confidence in policing.
"In Dorset, we have been working hard over the years to strengthen our Neighbourhood Policing Teams wherever possible, because we know the value of having officers and PCSOs who are visible, accessible and focused on local concerns. Their work helps prevent crime, tackle anti-social behaviour and build strong relationships with the communities they serve.
"As we mark Neighbourhood Policing Week, I want to thank all those involved in neighbourhood policing across Dorset for the difference they make every day and encourage the public to get out and meet their local officers at Community Contact Points and Mobile Police Stations across the area.”
Have you ever thought of becoming a police community support officer, police officer or special constable? By joining, you can become part of a great team in a good neighbourhood, be that vital trusted link within your communities and help us continue to make Dorset a safe county for everyone.
We are recruiting now. Learn more about the role, eligibility and how to apply here: Careers with Dorset Police | Dorset Police
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